“[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. ” Philippians 4:8 KJV
Paul and Timothy were writing to the saints in Christ Jesus which were at Philippi at the time, along with the bishops and deacons of the churches there. What this tells me from the start is that this walk of faith does not make a distinction between leaders and the led. We all have the same Spirit, and we are headed in the same direction. The privilege of leading does not make me superior to those being led, because we all have been given gifts by the same Spirit, and we all are working to ensure that the church of God grows to reflect the personality of the owner, who is Jesus Christ. Am I settled in my heart that I know who I am and whose I am? Do I know who I am working for?
Let it also be clear that this walk of faith is a reflection of the state of my inner man. That which men see on the outside relfects who is in me. The Christian faith is one that cannot be faked for too long; it is a fruit-based life. I may be able to deceive some people for some time, but this same time is what will reveal the state of my heart. God cannot be deceived; not all men will be deceived also. The verse above counsels those who claim to know and follow Christ to be careful about the state and focus of their hearts. That which takes up my attention will definitely produce an output. The verse above starts with whatever is true. Indeed, truth must be the foundation of all that I seek. Truth, as we know, is a Person.
The verse above goes on to address things that are honest, things that are just, things that are pure, things that are lovely, and things that are of good report. Reflect on how these things are described: they reflect the nature of Christ, or the things that draw men's attention to Him. Holiness is His nature, and purity is my response to His nature. He wants me to have a good reputation amongst men, so that the gospel is attractive to men. As long as there is virtue in it, and it leads to the praise of God, then that must be my focus. As I take time to think on these things, I am building a treasurehouse of riches I can draw on in the days of trouble. Guard your heart. Be mindful of what it focuses on. God's time of favour is here.
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