The world in which we live is most ungodly, corrupt, dishonest, immoral,;to say the least. Today right is wrong and wrong is right. And truth is scarce. How then should Christians think in this environment? The Bible says, “For as [man] thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).
Admittedly, at times we struggle to live a godly life in obedience to God’s established principles and standards. Not surprising, King David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). He also prayed, “Prove me, O LORD, and try me. Test my heart and my mind” (Psalm 26:2).
The apostle Paul presents a list of six godly virtues for Christians to keep in mind, and put in practice: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8 KJV). Note: “think on these things.”
“Things that are true.” The word true means genuine, not false. As Christians, we must remain true to the things we accept and believe. In Shakespeare’s play, ”Hamlet,” Polonius said, “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day. Thou canst be false to any man.” Polonius got it right. This principle also applies to believers in Christ as well. Christianity requires the outliving of the indwelling Jesus Christ. To live otherwise means we are false.
“Things that are honest.” The word honest means without deceit and untruthfulness. It is said “honesty is the best policy.” Being honest begins with the individual, because in today’s society dishonesty seem to be way of life for many. Honesty builds character, and enhances reputation. First Peter 2:12 NKJ says: “Having your behavior honest among the Gentiles.” Honesty reflects in what we do and say before God and man.
“Things that are just.” The word just means behaving according to what is morally right or justifiable. That is, being in absolute agreement with what is perceived as “right and proper.” This means taking a stand and being fair and reasonable in our dealings and interactions with others. The Bible says, “But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands” (Isaiah 32:8).
“Things that are pure.” Living a life that’s consecrated to God. Pure here means godly living; being free from worldly influence and distraction. Having a biblical mindset where Christ is Lord and Master of our lives. The Bible says: “To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (Titus 1:15,16). In His Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes), the Lord said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
“Things that are lovely.” The word lovely means admirable or well-pleasing. This means the Christian’s focus should be on those things that are well-pleasing and acceptable to the Almighty. Also, King Solomon declares this about Christ: “His mouth is most sweet; yea, and he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved” (Song of Solomon 5:16 KJV ). The Beloved is none other but Jesus Christ Himself. And as believers in Him, The Scripture says, God “has blessed us in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6).
Would to God we could discern the loveliness of our blessed Savior and glorified Lord, who is “The Bright and Morning Star,” and “The Lily of the valley,” and “The Fairest of Ten Thousand to our souls.”
“Things that are of good report.” Good report means worth or quality of reputation about something that is noted and well spoken of. Another word for good report is commendable. For example, here are some commendable things the Bible says about Christ. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelations 4:11).
In his commentary on Philippians 4:8, William MacDonald writes: “You do not have to look very closely to find the Lord Jesus Christ in verse 8. Everything that is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy is found in Him” (Believer’s Bible Commentary pg. 1979 Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ. Second Corinthians 5:20 says, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”
An ambassador is an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country. This means Christians represent God and the Kingdom of God to a lost and dying world. We must therefore conduct ourselves in a manner that pleases God, both in what we do and what we say.
Studying and applying the Christian virtues that Paul sets out will certainly help us to better relate to God and to others, whether Christians or non-christians. This is greatly needed in a topsy-turvy world today where there’s little appetite for things of a spiritual nature.