“Finally … whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9 NIV1984).
Over the past years of my life, I have sometimes felt weighed down and heavyhearted. I didn’t like those feelings, so I would ask the Lord to show me what was wrong and how to fix it. He always did and continues to do so. It is usually a matter of discipline, changing courses and doing what is right.
As a teenager, my dad would not allow me (or anyone else) to watch soap operas. After I married and my husband and I moved to Maryland, I suddenly realized I could watch all the soap operas I wanted to. And I did — one right after another. I soon began to feel the effects of this addiction, and it weighed heavily on my heart. The Lord convicted me of allowing these programs to infiltrate my mind — programs that had no redeeming value. There was nothing about them that was true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. I gave them up, and it was effective in my life.
I don’t watch much television, but a cell phone can become addictive. I enjoy reading news stories and other items of interest, but I’ve found myself particularly drawn to police videos, especially those involving shoplifting. It didn’t take long to realize that these videos do not meet the qualities Paul mentioned in Phil. 4:8. Foul language, including taking the Lord’s name in vain, was prevalent in every episode. The things we watch on television or in movies, see on our cell phones (including websites), the places we go, the people we spend time with and the books we read — all things that are ungodly — will directly affect our relationship with Jesus. Someone said, “Don’t ask what is wrong with it,” but “ask what is right with it.” That will give you direction on doing those things that please God.
Paul suggested thinking about uplifting and positive things while focusing on God. Live truthfully, honorably, justly and purely; have an eye for loveliness, and strive to live commendably. He doesn’t just admonish us to think and ponder such virtues. He challenges us to follow His example and practice what we know to be true. The word practicemeans to do something regularly or repeatedly until it becomes established in our minds and hearts. The result will be that the “God of peace will be with you.” This is not just the peace He gives, but the peace He is — His attribute.
In the verses preceding 8-9 in Philippians 4, Paul states something especially important as it pertains to this discussion. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (6-7). We may have memorized this verse and quote it frequently, but can we expect to receive that kind of peace if we don’t apply the virtues mentioned in the succeeding verses? Will God guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus if we fill our minds with dishonest, impure, unjust or offensive thoughts?
We must do more than merely think and ponder these godly principles, however. As Paul said, we must also put them into practice. In so doing, “… we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (II Cor. 10:5).
