“Finally, brothers 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 (NIV)
Morgan: “Wow! Your prelude was beautiful!”
Chris: “Thanks, but I just couldn’t get in all the sixteenth
notes at the end.”
Morgan: “The pastor’s sermon this morning really hit home
with me.”
Chris: “Really? All I noticed was the thirteen times he
said, ‘you know’.”
Morgan: “Look at the snow clinging to the trees and bushes!
It’s a winter wonderland!”
Chris: “Ugh. I have to drive in this mess.”
In each of these instances, Morgan and Chris were subject to
the exact same circumstances. However, what they took away from the experience
was vastly different.
With whom do you more closely relate—Chris or Morgan? How we
look at things, what we concentrate on, where our focus lies, affects our peace
of mind, our faith in God, and our relationships with others.
The truth of Philippians 4:8 is summed up in the old adage, “It’s
all in how you look at things.”
Take the example of my hairdresser, Mary, who recently lost
her husband after a year-long battle with cancer. All through Joey’s diagnosis
and treatment, Mary stood by his side, encouraging him and advocating for him.
She was a tower of strength and faith.
When we express our sorrow over his loss, lamenting, “I know
you were hoping for a miracle,” Mary smiles and says, “Oh, we got our miracle! In
fact, God gave us several. Because the cancer was discovered early during an
examination for another problem, we had an extra year with Joey. And, at the
end of that year, when treatment was exhausted, it was only a matter of days
till God called Joey home, freeing him from pain. That’s another miracle!”
Wouldn’t we all like to be more like Mary and Morgan, and less
like Chris? How can we gain a more positive perspective? By living Philippians
4:8:
“In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those
things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble,
right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” (GNT)
Be encouraged!
©2018 Pamela D. Williams
