TWO-SIDED ISSUE

Paul, an apostle, wrote a very difficult paragraph to the Church at Philippi:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

This is why it is two-sided to me: if we say, “practice these things…what you have learned, received, heard and seen in me” we are encouraging someone to shadow our behavior, actions and message. That is a very bold and brave thing to do. How could anyone without the deepest humility and brokenness ever say this to anyone?

On the other hand… if we cannot encourage others to do as we do and say…what are we doing, promoting and saying? Maybe some phony religion, baloney and legalism? Perhaps fear and performance?

The answer must be that we encourage others by our example to practice “whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise.” Practice these attributes and toss out everything else. Eat the meat and throw away the bones. That is the essence of this text to me.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Jesus