True, Noble, Just...

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-- meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJV

Last time, Paul was instructing the Philippians to be anxious for nothing and to prayer about everything. This verse goes right along with it. What we allow our minds to dwell on will ultimately become visible in our lives through actions, behaviors or attitudes. Paul's instructions this time are focused on guarding one's mind. Look at the verse, you see it's a list of things: true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue and praiseworthy. Paul says meditate on these things. Why? Maybe he offers this so the Philippians will stop being fault finders. Perhaps he offers this to point out there is only one person who fits this description -- Jesus Christ. If your focus in on Jesus Christ and Him alone, then your mind will be flooded with light and your life will overflow with godliness. Isn't is difficult being around people who only point out faults? You know it is. Conversely, isn't it wonderful being around people who constantly see the good in things? Of course it is. Paul's instruction to Philippians is wise council for all of us, to move us into a state that allows us to look at all the positive things in life. In doing so, we will be offering Christ to the world. In Max Lucado's book "Come Thirsty", he was talking about how Jesus never reminder the disciples of their failures, even though He had plenty of examples to point out. He never brought up their past mistakes. He never said "I told you so" when they disappointed him. Well, setting our minds on the things above and not on earthly things below ( Collosians 3:2 ), will help us do the same thing. Follow Christ's example, don't mention other people's failures. Watch and see how controlling your tongue ( Psalm 39:1 ) has a great impact on your relationships.