Philippians 4:7-9

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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.” vs. 8

There is certainly a lot to think about in these contentious times. Every day some new scandal breaks or some outrageous message is posted on social media. And there seems to be little regard for truth! Those who even try to do any fact-checking rapidly fall behind, and no one even seems to care if news reports are accurate any more. The problem with this incessant barrage of lies and mistruths is that once we hear or see something, it’s really hard to let go. Pretty soon all we’re thinking about is ugly stuff, and it’s tough to break out of the cycle. And the tragic part of all this is that the garbage damages our spiritual life. Could there be a better time for us to review Paul’s words to his beloved Philippians? Let’s read them again, or maybe even memorize them: “Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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.”  This means making some choices about what we feed our brains and pass on to others. When we decide to bury the rumors, gossip, and lies in favor of beauty, truth, and affirmation our days are transformed.

Thought for the Day: What’s my strategy for avoiding spiritual decay?