Philip Dampier's Blog

Chapter 4, Verse 8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Paul is ready to close the letter. He has written a lot about his and their circumstances and the need of the church to follow Jesus in every possible way. Paul wishes to end on a positive note, having already encouraged them to live a rejoicing lifestyle. He now gives them a recipe for finding that joyous life.

When personal computers first hit the scene, much was made of GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out). What is true of computer programming is also true of thinking outcomes. What you think about will channel your outlook on life as well as your behavior. Notice that each of these thought processes can affect the others. One might say something that is true but it might not be commendable to say it.

Task for Today: Life changer! Use verse 8 to evaluate the television and movies you view. Use it to determine if you should listen to a certain song. Select what you read based on Paul’s list of good things to think about. All the negative opposites to verse 8 are out there in the real world; and they are useful to the evil in the world to take away your joy. Don’t let these things into your mind and they will not get into your heart.