Choosing What Is Noble, Right, and Pure
By Rene Toyota, Administrative Assistant
“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. Do what you have learned or received or heard from me. Follow my example. The God who gives peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9 NIrV)
Excuse me for sounding ingenious, but I'm not a huge fan of the news. In fact, I’m not a fan of any of the sickness, deaths, hate, lies, murder, tantrums, shoving, pushing, and name-calling that’s been going on in this world. It’s so much craziness. I’m tired of seeing the world divided. I’m a passionate person, and if I pay attention all the time to what’s going on, it will all but overwhelm me, as it has done to many people.
I watch the news here and there, but I don’t pursue it. I know I shouldn't hide from any of it, but this way helps me to remain neutral and focused on the kind of world God wants us to have. At the same time, I respect those who fight for their rights or express their opinions, but only if it is right with God.
But what is right before God? Through Philippians 4:8, God tells us exactly what to do. We should always ask ourselves before we speak or do something. Is what we’re doing noble, right, and pure? Is it lovely and worthy of respect? Is what we are saying or trying to accomplish reflecting God and is excellent and worthy of praise?
Those are the ways of our God. It’s who He is. He is noble, right, and pure. He is lovely and worthy of respect. He is excellent and worthy of praise. And if we follow His example and carry on practicing what we learn from Him, He will give us His peace. Don't you want His peace through all this madness?
Prayer: Father, forgive us our senseless behaviors that often cause harm, pain, and division in this world. Help us to spend more time reflecting on Your Word, to know You more, so that we can put into practice what we learn from You and to follow Your example so that we may have Your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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