Insights

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,...think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8

A few weeks ago I went to a funeral for my childhood best friend’s dad. His dad, at certain times in my childhood, served as a second dad to me. We hung out quite often.

One thing that I always appreciated about his dad was that he was not afraid to share what was on his mind...to anyone. Now today, this sometimes would seem like a bad idea, except I never heard his dad say anything negative. ANYTHING. Was he ever upset or angry? Absolutely, but he held his tongue.

At his funeral I was talking with my friend and reminiscing about his dad and we both landed on the fact that we were so thankful that he taught us what was true, taught us to be honorable young men, and taught us about justice. The things that his dad taught us 30+ years ago were the same things that the Apostle Paul taught to the church in Philippi.

At the heart of this charge in Philippians 4 is a charge to think about Jesus. Jesus is true. Jesus is honorable. Jesus is just.

As we go through this year thinking about an excellent story that God is writing, I think we have to focus on our mind and our thoughts. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2 that we have “the mind of Christ.” Paul says in Philippians 4 that “the peace of God will guard our hearts AND MINDS…” The mind is important.

In a world and culture that thrives on feelings- rage, bitterness, frustration, and anger, we as Christ followers are called to approach each day with a different mindset. A mind that is focused on what is true, what is honorable and what is just.

So let me leave you with this question, and it’s a question that I also ask myself…

How are you doing with that?

Joel Gutowsky
Director of Student Life
Logos Preparatory Academy