Whatever

"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

     The mind is the control center of character and conduct. People become what they think. Thoughts precede and produce action.

     Rather than get stuck in negative and self-destructive thoughts, change your mindset. The incarcerated apostle Paul shows the way of proper meditation through an inspirational list of "whatever's."

     No matter how pessimistic your circumstances, he urges from a filthy dungeon, think of what is true, valid, reliable and honest. Focus on noble thoughts, worthy of your respect and dignity. Think of what is upright and just, conformable to God's standards. Meditate on lovely, pleasing, agreeable, admirable and amicable things. Even a person's thought life is known to the Almighty. So resolve to think holy thoughts. Offer your thought life to God as a form of praise and worship.

     Ever the practical teacher, Paul is not content to leave his beloved friends with only a mental form of exercise. Rather, he urges them to put into practice what they have learned and received from him on Christian doctrine and living, through what they have heard and seen through personal observation of his speech and conduct.

     In summary: meditate and act. Think God's thoughts and emulate worthy spiritual leaders. Never give up your faith walk. Refuse to dwell in the pessimistic country, for with God, all things are possible. In doing these things, you will experience the God of peace as an ever present companion, in all circumstances.

     Prayer: God, may your peace prevail in my heart and mind today. Help me focus on whatever is good, true, honest, courageous, inspiring and uplifting. Now help me live out my beliefs. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
November 18, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe.