Wednesday 23 August, 2017

8 Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things. 9 Do what you have learned or received or heard from me. Follow my example. The God who gives peace will be with you.

Paul reminds the Philippians in this passage to think on these things- things that are; True, Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, Excellent and Praise Worthy.

Why? Because thinking effects what we focus on, how we behave and relate, and it moulds much of who we are.

Then, Paul says do/live out what you have

Learned

Received

Heard

Seen

Then the peace of God will be with you.

Why? It’s not a works based gospel that we believe in. I’m not saved by my thoughts or actions. So why would I be at peace by thinking and living “rightly”? Because when a Christian thinks and lives this way it all fits. It’s the thinking and living we were created to do, redeemed to do, and filled (by Holy Spirit) to do. It’s peaceful because it is coherent. We are not at war within our new self when we live accordingly.

Jesus help me to think on all that is good and worth thinking about. Help me to live as you have shown me, by your example and those around me. Help me to live, at peace, with myself and with you. Thank you for making it possible to be completely at peace with ourselves. Amen

Written by Zoe Stewart