If my mind is full of these Godly thoughts–true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable thoughts–will my life reflect them? As I heard from Marty Schmidt Sunday morning, it was Paul (also an imperfect human) who said, “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Isn’t that a little audacious? If Jesus said these words, we would all agree and try to live that way. Paul isn’t perfect, so why should we try to live like he does? If I fill my mind with God, fill my soul with God, what will overflow and splash on those around me? And will I feel anxiety/anger/spite or God’s peace? Will those around me be able to tell the difference in me?
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Kathleen S Evenhouse 