Contrasting Perspectives
“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.” (Phil. 4:8)
“Think on these things” a command for us and not merely a suggestion. There are two ways of seeing them, the one carnal, and the other spiritual. Which way do you see them?
The World’s View
Truth is relative to the world; it is a distorted sort of truth with no real stability or foundation. The truth that the world knows is “shaky”, it is flexible according t certain bias and desires.
The world’s honesty is admitting to that which is minor, but not taking responsibility for the consequence of it; It is, at the best, sincerity. There is no honesty aside from the Word of God.
This world’s justice is also biased. It is justice based on revenge and superiority, and not true justice.
Purity in the world today is mocked, and scorned. It is “old-fashioned, and archaic, and those that practice it, naïve and “fuddy-duddies”.
That which is lovely, in the world today, is based on lust, and greed. It is “lovely” for what it gives or has, for its intrinsic value, and not for righteousness’ sake.
Nowadays, the philanthropist is “of good report”. Those who give for self glorification, and those who help others, whether out of mercy or a natural kindness are still exalted because of their deeds.
If there be any virtue at all, it is a sham virtue for them; if there is any praise, it is for self and not for the Lord. The world may think on these things, but even their good thoughts, if any, are clouded by self-seeking and self promotion, and are not after Christ.
The Bible’s View
Truth-there is only one thing that “fit’s the bill” here, and that is the Word of God. When we think of truth, we think of the Word of God, which is the epitome of truth, absolute and indisputable truth. These six things ought to fully occupy our thoughts to the [praise and glory of God.
When we think of honesty, we must look at it through the Word of God, which cannot lie. It alone is truth and honesty; it sees the evil in the heart of man, and reveals it, and does not try to “sugar coat” it; The Word of God is honest in all senses of the word.
Bible justice is the only real justice that man can know. It is unbiased, and not vengeful, but deliberate and fair. It is unscathed by appearance or hypocrisy, and is complete and merited whenever applied. True Justice is found only in the principles and oracles of the Word of God.
Purity in the Bible is honorable; it is worthy of praise and glory; it is god-likeness, and very precious. Bible purity is the opposite of worldly purity; it reaps great reward, and obtains the favor of God, and of good men.
These things, from the Bible perspective, are lovely in themselves, because they glorify God. His Word is altogether lovely, and loving in nature and practice. To “think on these things” sweeps us into the heavenly realm, and sits us at the feet of Jesus. Our thought become precious thoughts that edify instead of destroy; they build character and defeat stubbornness and self -will. They are only good.
And they are “of good report” among mankind, and find favor with God. They are based and founded in the Word of God, which is, in every part, “of good report”. Even the unbeliever will speak good of the “Good Book” and recognize its value, while denying its efficacy. These things, each one of them, and all of them collectively, are worthy of our consideration; let us dwell on them, and meditate on them daily, and always.
Friends, “think on these things” and the peace of God will keep you, and refresh you daily, and guard your thoughts from the fiery darts of the devil.
No comments:
Post a Comment