Weigh it Out!

We are busy, life seems to wake up before we do and takes off running.  We are spreading ourselves around like seed bearing dandelions on a windy day.  When in reality at times we lose sight of the ‘X’ (YOU are here) on our daily map.

Paul writes to the Philippians, in his most personal written letter to a church, he thanks them for their generosity and care for him.  His theme throughout his letter is joy, fourteen times he speaks of joy. Folded in among his smiling words of affirmation ‘Rejoice… rejoice… don’t be anxious, operate in thanksgiving, peace… (Paraphrasing)  he adds yet again one of his lists, oh Paul loved his lists. Chapter 4,  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (v8)

In today’s economy, we really don’t factor in time to think.  Most is done on a whim, we rely on habit and sadly we just get in line and follow.  Interestingly, Paul’s ink dipped word for think isn’t our average ‘quick – consider as we reach for our opinion’ and move on.  He is urging us to weigh it out.  It takes time, a process. The picture he is painting is likened to one of those old scales the gold miners would use; a valued weight would be placed on one side and their product on the other.  THIS is what Paul speaks of, it is a calculating term.  Does what consumes my thoughts, what is in front of me, does what I read, what I see, what I deem worthy of spending myself on … equate God and God stuff (true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy) If it doesn’t, then get it OFF the scale!  Plain and simple.  He continues with (in short) “Put into practice what you have learned from me and the God of peace will be with you.” (v9)

It is up to us to take pause, evaluate – putting it on the scale – weighing it out – does it equate God …thinking about such things.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)