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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8
These are known verses. These are the kind of lines you see on Post-It cards and T-shirts to rally the troops into better living. There have been volumes written and spoken lately on the power of the mind and the need to take thoughts captive. This is absolutely true, though much of it is perhaps overstated or strangely packaged. These verses are interesting because it will do us well to remember they are written to the Church. These are people who have had an interaction with Jesus through Paul (see verse 9 for proof). This is a strange comfort to me and should be to you as well.
The start of a relationship with Jesus is just that, a start. Through a life time commitment (and de-commitments) of that decision, we craft our spiritual identity. The success and bruises along the way tell our story. They transcend the moment into a collection of snapshots – a legacy of faith. The main point of this passage, and perhaps the whole of Scripture, is that you as a broken follower of Jesus, will need continued reminders of the better way. There is a set of thinking that is common. It is our default mode and what a lifetime of experience has chiseled in us. By heightening our awareness to this, we see our desperate need for Christ in our minds.
Paul is ringing the bells for purity of mindfulness. In this world of incomplete and shadowy figures, he is pointing towards the light that reveals all and he is doing so for God’s people. We have short memories and can so easily forget today in favor of the failures of yesterday or anxieties of tomorrow.
We forget who we are and the strength that is behind us.
We forget the grace that is offered for our shortcomings and misdeeds.
Today, remember the One behind the wonder.
Matt simon blog 