Finally, bothers and sisters, 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. Philippians 4:8
Paul refers to the recipients of his letters as brothers and sisters. They were family, the family of God, and we all know, family can talk straight and get away with it. He is doing this. Christians…….live to a higher standard than the rest of the world, be true and noble, just do the right thing by making God’s will your will, His ways, your own.
The essential element in this verse is “THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS.” Our mind is the ONLY place we have complete and total secrecy. No one can know what we are thinking except through our actions and words. Even then, most are able to maintain limited privacy. This freedom gives way to reckless thought processes with little risk of consequence. But! Eventually our hands, feet and mouths follow our thinking and become actions and words. Paul wisely implores us to stop things at their starting point and turn to truth, honor, integrity, righteousness and beauty in thought and deed.
Love,
Gretchen