June 20, 2019 – Philippians 4:8
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. Philippians 4:8.
Thinking is something we all do. From the time I was a little girl and felt fear, Mother would say, think about beautiful things. When I found this list of power nouns, I could define ‘beautiful things’ as true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellence, and worthy of praise!
Apostle Paul spent his early life persecuting followers of Jesus Christ. After he was called by God, he was able to put aside this way of life. The hate and disdain he felt for followers of Jesus was forgotten. Paul was role model of a man who sinned, and then began to follow Jesus Christ.
He said he is not perfect, but he forgot the past, for the future in Jesus captured him. His reality and identity became Jesus. His goal in life became, to finish the race and practice the things of Christ. Though he suffered shipwrecks and imprisonment, Paul never wavered. He knew the God of Peace to be his.
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14.