Dressed With the Dignity of Holiness

FROM: AUGUST 9 @ 15, 2016

Topic: "Dressed With the Dignity of Holiness" Philippians 4: 8

"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.” Paul is saying something like this: "I think I only have left to say, brothers, that your thoughts should concentrate in everything that is authentic, everything that is clothed of dignity (it is what makes you worthy as a person, who behaves responsibly, with seriousness and with respect for himself and towards others), in all that is coated with holiness, in all that is correct, in all that is pure, in all that deserves love, in all that is well spoken, in all that is recognized excellent and in all that wins the praise of people." The human mind has to concentrate on something, but they must be things that are worthwhile. The mind gathers trash, disparities from one or another; the mind lives confused and in nonsense. Here, the apostle Paul was writing to the brothers so that they would concentrate on thoughts that were worthwhile. This is something of supreme importance, because it is a law of life: that if one thinks of something with enough frequency and intensity, thus will reach the point where one cannot stop thinking about it. What will happen is that the thoughts will literally run for a cause which one cannot get out. We should concentrate in such a way that our thoughts are in good things. Paul makes a list of some of them. He begins with "all that is true," what is authentic; many of the things of this world are deceptive and illusory (that may produce an image or idea that is false and deceptive), they are promises that cannot be kept, they offer an imaginary peace and unattainable happiness. One should always set the mind on true and genuine things that do not fail. If it is spoken of a believer who is true, genuine, honest, upright and honored, it is the same as speaking of someone who is coated with the dignity of holiness. There are things in this world that are taken lightly, they are not serious; they are attractive only for those who are “lighthearted." On the contrary, Christians should concentrate the mind in the things that are serious and worthy. Some things are fair. Whoever thinks about what is fair is one who gives God and men what is due to them. That person is a supporter of the "duty assumed" (accept an obligation, responsibility). There are those who think only in pleasure, comfort and a good life. Christians focus their thoughts on the duties to God and to their fellow men. You have duties and responsibilities, and if you think you are a believer not being fair, you are in darkness and there is no holiness. Paul mentions: "All that is pure." This defines what is morally untainted. When referring to the sacrifices it describes what has been purified until it is fit to be presented to God and used in His service. This world is full of things that are grimy and dirty and obscene. Many people have the mind in such a state that "they taint everything they think about." Christian's mind focuses on what is pure; their thoughts are so clean that they can withstand God’s scrutiny (research).

The apostle continues with: “Whatever is lovely." Someone who is lovable is worthy of being loved. There are some whose mind are so focused on punishment and revenge that they only provoke bitterness and fear in others. There are some whose minds are so programmed with criticism, anger and mockery that only provoke resentment in others. Our mind should concentrate on nice things, on sympathy, tolerance and understanding in a way that we are found to be kind to others; it is sufficient to just see a person who is like this to love. There are things that are admirable. "In a good way." These are words that are well spoken. They are words that are suitable for God to hear them. There are too many refined words and blasphemies in the world. In the lips and in the minds of Christians there should only be apt words for God to hear. If there is any virtue, if there is excellence. We must reach new heights in the Christian way. It is in the higher things that Christians should think about. If there is any praise. If something is worthy of worship, if one thinks of something that desires some worship from the world, it is necessary to know that before anything else it should be pleasant and approved supremely by God. May those be our thoughts, may they be those that the apostle Paul has taught us! Amen.