steep ourselves in God’s Word. We should know the Word so well
that we automatically run everything we encounter through the grid
of God’s Word. We live in a day that is geared toward emotions
and strongly influenced by the supposed “virtue” of tolerance. Our
culture assumes that love means being tolerant and accepting of
everyone and everything, even if God’s Word plainly declares that
something is an abomination. If you go with the flow, you will be
carried far from God’s absolute standard of moral truth as revealed
in His Word.
We also must resist the pragmatism of our culture, which determines the true by whatever works. If something works, which
means, it brings you happiness (at least at the moment) or it accomplishes what you want, then it must be true. But God’s Word
doesn’t always line up with what works. In fact, it’s clear that sin
often brings pleasure for a season; if it didn’t we wouldn’t be so
enticed by it. Many of the “positive mental attitude” methods are
effective in making you a successful sales person. But the question
is, Are they biblical? We must test everything by God’s Word, not
by feelings or pragmatism.
2.
Think on whatever is honorable (NIV = “noble”).
The word means “that which inspires reverence or awe; dignified, worthy of respect.” It is a character quality required in deacons and deaconesses (1 Tim. 3:8, 11). Elders should keep their
children under control “with all dignity” (1 Tim. 3:4). All Christians
should “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1
Tim. 2:2).
This means that Christians are to take life seriously. We are
not to be silly goof-offs, who treat life as a perpetual joke. We live
in light of eternity, keeping in mind the uncertainty of this short life
and the reality of heaven and hell. This doesn’t mean that we can’t
appreciate clean humor. But our overall tenor should communicate
to a lost world that they must stand before a holy God someday
soon. Think on these reverent themes.
3.
Think on whatever is right.
This word is used of God Himself who is righteous (Rom.
3:26; 1 John 2:29; 3:7) and of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14; 1
Pet. 3:18; 1 John 2:1). Thus we are to be righteous people, as John
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