Think on These Things...

 I’ve been around the sun more than a few times since I was born. It goes without saying that things in this world have changed…quite dramatically. My generation was raised to be kind and to respect others.  We gave up our seats for our elders, we didn’t talk back to our parents (or get away with it), and we respected authority, at least outwardly. Even if we didn’t agree with other people, we were taught that “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.” 

Fast forward to today, where people feel the need to comment as rudely as they want, without knowing the facts behind what is going on most times.  And you are wrong if you don’t agree with what they are putting out there, so they won’t skip a beat to tell you so. 

It’s hard to feel compassionate for those types of people, yet scripture encourages us in Ephesians 4:32 to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Most days I just roll my eyes while reading comments on social media when I come across those rude and seemingly ignorant people who seem to just want attention.  But some days it gets under my skin and I find myself getting angry at the disrespect people in today’s society give to one another and seemingly get away with it. It’s times like this that I need to remember the following scripture and think on these things.

Philipians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I created what I’m about to share with you for a couple once who seemed to have a rough time traveling together in the car. They both were upset by the time they reached their destination after a long car ride of pointing out faults and bickering for hours.  Before their next trip, I mailed them this conversation starter. I instructed them to read one each hour. They agreed and enjoyed their car conversation so much, they didn’t wait to open one an hour, they opened one right after another, and what a difference it made for them! Instead of arriving at their destination angry with each other and on the verge of tears, they instead arrived smiling and laughing and talking up a storm.

I changed this up a bit to fit anyone who decides to take this challenge. I think I need to challenge myself on those days when I feel like everything in this world seems ugly and out of control. Pick one or challenge yourself on all of them.  If there be any virtue, think on these things. 

Things that are True: Truth, fully realized or fulfilled, honest, steadfast, loyal.

• Share with someone one dream of yours that has come true.
• State one true thing about another person that you admire and share that with them. 
• Recite one part of your wedding vows that you have remained true to and share that with your spouse.
• Share one thing you have experienced to be true that God spoke about in the Bible.

Things that are Honest: Honesty, genuine, real, respectable, praiseworthy, upright, good.

• Tell someone one honest character trait they have that you admire,
• Tell another person one thing they did that made you gain respect for them.
• Give another some honest and sincere praise for something they did recently.
• Share your thoughts on being honest in our conversations with God when we doubt His word.

Things that are Just: Morally upright or good, fair, righteous.

• Tell about one time you noticed someone who had to make a tough, but fair decision. Why do you feel that way?
• Tell about one time you made a morally upright decision that went against what others thought you should do. How did that turn out?
• Tell about one good thing you or someone you know did for someone else that others may or may not have known about. 
• In Psalms 145:17-21, the scriptures says The Lord is just in all His ways…What does this mean to you?

Things that are Pure: Having no fault or guilt, being untainted with evil: innocent, pure in heart. physically chaste; virgin.

• When you think of pure, what comes to mind right away?
• Share something that touched you when you witnessed a pure or innocent moment. How did that make you feel?
• Do you think it’s important to be chaste, or a virgin, until your wedding day? Why or why not?
• What do you think the scriptures means when it says Blessed are the pure in heart?

Things that are Lovely: Lovable, attractive, beautiful, pleasing, amiable, pleasant.

 

• List three physical qualities that you find attractive in your significant other.
• List two character traits that you find attractive in someone you admire. Why those?
• List one thing someone close does for you that makes you appreciate them

Things that are of Good Report: A person’s high standing among others; dignity, good name, honor, prestige, reputation, repute, respect, status, unity, clarity, accuracy.

• Think of 3 people that fit any of these descriptions. Take a few minutes to tell them in a text, email or a card. Give them a good report of how this has influenced you or touched you somehow.  It will bless them.

If there be any Virtue, moral excellence or Praise, Expressing approval or admiration, think on these things. 

I’d love to hear how things went for you if you decided to try this out.