Phil 4:8 (NKJV) 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.
Virtuous and praiseworthy….
Paul is really getting down to brass tacks here. If you remember, each of the “whatevers” have implied something – my words, others, my actions, how ‘in tune’ I am with Christ, my close relationships, received and given blessings – which brings us to here. Today’s “whatever” words mean exactly what I think they do. They deal with me – my inner man. “Any virtue” is a direct shot at the character and morals of my life. Character and morals are things that can be easily hidden and glossed over. John Eldredge – in his book, Wild at Heart – calls it “posing.”
Who I really am is something only God really knows. (Jeremiah 17:8).
It would be really easy to begin meditating on my inner man and listen to the lies of the enemy trying to define me by what I have done in the past. I think this is why Paul qualifies that we are to meditate on “anything praiseworthy.” Romans clearly says that I have “…fallen short of the glory of God…” and that’s not what defines me. The redemptive blood and resurrection of Jesus is what defines me as a son of God. Through Jesus, I am a Son. Through his resurrection, I am an heir. See Gal 4:6-7 – the verse I based this entire blog on. It is also found in Romans 8:14-18. That’s who I am.
Colossians 3 in The Message is a great chapter in defining that new life and who I am.
When it all comes down to it, that’s all that is really virtuous in me is Jesus. All that is really praiseworthy is Christ. Again, I go back to Galatians 2:20 (Like I’ve said before, I always end up here…)
Gal 2:20 (NKJV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
My character – my morals – are all rooted in Christ living in me.
“… any virtue… anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
… Running After Papa