Daily Scripture

Philippians 4:8-9

8 From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. 9 Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.

Reflection Questions

If we read this passage abstractly, it can sound syrupy and naive. It’s important to remember that the apostle Paul wrote these words, not sitting peacefully in some meadow or in a Sunday School room, but in a chilly, damp Roman prison cell (see Philippians 1:12-14). God’s people have proved Paul’s challenging words true over and over through the centuries. What we train ourselves to focus on can make all the difference in our relationship to God and to other people.

• The Greek phrase translated “focus your thoughts” “certainly means more than ‘keep in mind’ or ‘think about.’ It is rather ‘take (them) into account’ and reflect carefully upon them in order that they may shape your conduct. These good qualities are not merely things that are good for the head, but things that need to be transformed into action.” * Think about the various forces that shape your thinking. Ask yourself how many of the TV or radio shows, news portals, political debates or gossip columns you follow focus on “all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.” How can you (with help if needed) train yourself to more fully focus your thinking that way? How can it shape your relationships if you focus mainly on what is good in those you love most?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, sometimes I think looking at ugly, hateful or suggestive things proves I’m “smart” and “sophisticated.” Give me a clearer sense of how those things affect me, and help me cultivate a taste for the lovely, true and pure in life. Amen.

Family Activity

Watch your family’s favorite television show or movie together. Before it starts, encourage everyone to pay close attention to the difference in the attitudes and behaviors of the characters. After the show, discuss who displayed qualities of Christ such as kindness, wisdom, generosity and love. Ask if any of the characters would be role models and why or why not. Talk about how what and who we watch can influence our own way of living. Next, write down Christ-like qualities your family wants to focus on using individual slips of paper. Place them all in a cup or jar and draw one out each week. Encourage one another to watch for people who exhibit that quality and as a family, seek to live that way every day. Share stories each evening and ask God to help you.

* I-Jin Loh and Eugene A. Nida, A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. New York: United Bible Societies, 1977, p. 134.