Paul’s Test for What’s On Your Mind

[333 words] In Philippians, Paul gave us a litmus test, so to speak, for what should be on or in our minds. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). My question is: “If I am to focus my mind on these things, can I practice or support anything that wouldn’t make this list?” I believe we know the answer to this. “Whatever things are true…” equals honesty. “Things noble…” equals integrity. “Just” equals fair and righteous. “Things pure” equals holy and unblemished. “Things lovely” equals opposite of the ugliness we find in worldliness. “Good report” equals good reputation, above reproach. “Virtue” equals obvious goodness. “Anything praiseworthy” equals anything that supports godliness and morality,…