You Just Have to 'Stop'

No, I am not waxing philosophical; but have you ever thought about thinking? (Perhaps I could get you to consider it for just a moment.)

Have you ever been talking with someone and something they said forces a pause in the conversation, “I’ll have to think about that”?

People think about things in different ways. Some look up at the sky and tap or rub their chin and just think, think, think. Others look down at the ground and scratch their head and think, think, think. Some might prefer to talk it out; brainstorming ideas (with another person or even a wall). Others like a visual approach using pencil and paper, whiteboard and marker, or something similar. Whatever the case, two things are common to all: Pause...and ideas turning over and over in the mind.

James wrote, “Consider it all joy when you face various trials…” (James 1:2) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and then think about what he was writing.

When Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air… and observe the lilies of the field…” (Matthew 6:24, 26) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the birds; to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the flowers.

Paul wrote:

   Finally, brethren, whatever is true,

      whatever is honorable,

      whatever is right,

      whatever is pure,

      whatever is lovely,

      whatever is of good repute,

   if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise,

   dwell on these things.

                                                 --Philippians 4:8

What do you think Paul expected his readers to do???

Do you know why God's word is difficult to understand for some people? Do you know why some folks never find peace or comfort or help from God's word even though they read and read and read?

They never...stop! They never...think.

I know it sounds silly, but I'll leave you extra room at the end of this blog to give you 'extra time' to...stop...and think about the things Paul wrote...
stop...

and think...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Seriously...you need to STOP…
And...think…

Past. Excellence. Praise.

The Apostle Paul instructed:

     ...If there is any excellence and
           if anything worthy of praise,
           dwell on these things.

                                      --Philippians 4:8

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘excellence’?

Precision? Beauty? Superiority? Flawlessness?

Some things are excellent because of their intrinsic quality, or perhaps quality in craftsmanship. For example, consider a high-quality silver coin. The background of the coin has a mirror finish. The raised lettering and images have a frosted appearance. This coin was made especially for coin collectors and has been handled with utmost care. It is called a ‘proof’ coin and would never be found in your pocket change.

Excellence describes proof coins, but only because of the quality of craftsmanship and the high-quality materials.

The term Paul used has more to do with excellence as the result of past activity, effort, achievement or performance. So, it is not as much about things as it is about people.

The Olympic great, Michael Phelps, comes to mind; excellence in swimming. His unprecedented Olympic medal performances stand on their own. He swims with such strength, yet at the same time such grace. Excellence.

Behind all his medals are years of grueling training, practice sessions and competitions; restricted activities, restricted diet, restricted influences, restricted life; all for the glorious achievements awarded at the Olympic Games. Excellence.

Michael Phelps deserves to be on the covers of magazines, on a Wheaties cereal box; on the morning show circuit; in advertising campaigns. He is worthy of praise for his unmatched achievements.

We might also turn our attention to the world of entertainment (as if the world of sports is somehow separate): Actors, singers, dancers, and performers of every kind. We could also think of discoverers and inventors and scientists; educators, writers, thinkers, planners; conquerors, rulers, diplomats, businessmen; and the list is endless. People who have risen to the top of their field in various pursuits of life to achieve...Excellence.

The term excellence can be applied to most any category, but at some point one has to wonder what/who 'Paul' was thinking about. At some point our minds must turn toward men and women of faith. It Is not that they demonstrated mastery of a skill, but they were persistent and insistent; stubbornly embracing God’s will as their own.

Think about Noah. Does Job come to mind as a man of excellence? Joseph went to prison because he refused to sin: Excellence. Rahab was bold in her faith. Deborah was brave. Left-handed Ehud cannot be forgotten; Gideon, Samson. Faithful Ruth was worthy of praise.

David would not harm the Lord’s Anointed, even though King Saul was his enemy. The restraint of Daniel and his friends while in captivity was exemplary. Heaven loved Daniel. The courage of Mordecai and Esther: Excellence.

Elijah, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and, of course, Jesus, our Savior and Lord...and yet...

The Bible is not the only place where godly men and women of excellence are found. Stop and think for a moment about people in your own life who fit the description...Excellence...Worthy of Praise.

Dwell on these things...

Good Things Well Said

I had heard that he was a good teacher. His name was Will, an average looking, with an average build, average sort of guy; but he drove a lot of people crazy. He was a math teacher by trade and when you met him, you really wondered how he could hold down a job as a teacher.

A few folks would greet Will after church on Sunday, fewer still would ask a question or attempt conversation.

I could usually find him standing alone near the entryway or out in the church yard by the sidewalk. I enjoyed talking to Will after Sunday worship. I never had to wait in line and I never thought I was interrupting a conversation.

Will was never rude, but most folks were frustrated when trying to carry on a conversation with him; he was mostly silent. He was not mute; he had no speech impediment. He simply took the scriptures very, very, very seriously.

     But everyone must be quick to hear,

     slow to speak and slow to anger.

                                                --James 1:19

     For we all stumble in many ways.

     If anyone does not stumble in what he says,

     he is a perfect man,

     able to bridle the whole body as well.

                                             --James 3:2

If you must know, I would greet Will, “How are you doing today?” and then wait for his reply. I might w-a-i-t a full minute before he returned a simple, “I’m doing ok.” (I really didn’t mind waiting.)

I might then ask him an open-ended question. I remember times when I waited a five full minutes for an answer.  I still did not mind because I knew that he was determined to control his speech.

I lost touch with Will when we moved away, but I have always admired the way he guarded his speech.

Jim, on the other hand, was not silent. He was a preacher, and one of the best. His content was always enlightening and his manner was respectful, cordial, and full of concern. Regardless of his subject, even the things we needed to hear were presented in such a way that you were grateful as a listener.

Though opposite in many ways Will and Jim had something in common. Described by a seldom used Bible term, they were men of ‘good report.’ The ancient word behind this phrase is used only one time in the Bible. Its dictionary definition is: fair-speaking or sounding well. The term was not used to describe good things that were said as much as it described the person who spoke good things. At the same time, it did not describe eloquence of speech or the respect people might have for the speaker. It was used to describe the person who was known for speaking good content and speaking in a good and tasteful manner.

One author commented that good report “signifies the delicacy which guards the lips.” That describes both of my friends. They guarded their lips and what came out was always good, pleasant, attractive and acceptable. Those who are of ‘good report’ are rare. Who do you know that can be described this way?

The Apostle Paul encouraged:

     Whatsoever things are...of good report…

     Dwell on these things.

                                            --Philippians 4:8

Butterflies, Mountains and Grandkids

Whenever you get a new phone, computer, or similar device, you will likely spend a little time setting up the background. You might give some thought to onlookers, but your background is primarily for you; a photo of family or friends, or maybe a place you have visited, or where you would like to visit. You might choose a beautiful landscape or something artistic.

When you look at your favored photo it evokes a response. If it is your own photo, you remember the time and the circumstances; the story that goes along with it.

Whether beautiful or ordinary, it is pleasant to you and you are drawn to it in some way. You enjoy seeing it when you activate your phone or start your computer. From time to time you might even pause and ‘gaze through’ the objects on your screen and just focus on your background photo. Pleasing.

I gave my mom a butterfly calendar. It was made up of photos I had taken. (Even an amateur with a little patience and luck can get a nice pic if he ’clicks’ enough.) She thought the butterflies were beautiful, but I am quite sure she preferred an earlier calendar featuring her siblings. Those photos were taken by my dad while they were on one of their fall excursions across America.

Each month was a memory; each month, people she knew and loved. (She never had met any of my butterflies.) I’m pretty sure she enjoyed the calendar with her siblings again and again even though the calendar year had passed. Lovely.

The Apostle Paul uses a word in the short book of Philippians that occurs in the New Testament only once. Most translations use the word ‘lovely,’ but it should not be confused with external beauty. It is a word that is rooted in ‘affection.’ When applied to things, it describes things that are pleasing and that draw ones heart with affection. When applied to people, it describes those who are dear or beloved or who bring pleasure to your heart. People and things that are lovely draw the affection of the heart.

The opposite of lovely, as Paul uses it, would be things despised, rejected, or discarded.

   Paul encouraged Christians:

        Whatsoever things are...lovely…

        Dwell on these things.

                                       —Philippians 4:8

I’m pretty sure that Paul was not thinking about photos. However, many ’pics’ fit the definition. I cannot exclude the Colorado mountains on my calendar and the ‘lovely’ thoughts generated when I see the picture. I remember getting up early to greet the sunrise. I remember the hike, the thin air (and me huffing and puffing)...And I remember the transforming colors of the sky as the sun climbed the distant peaks...and then first light (click, click, click)...and then slowly resting my camera at my side knowing that no camera, no photographer could possibly capture that moment. I stood in awe thinking about God and the majesty of his creation. Lovely.

‘Lovely’ is not confined to religious things, so, mountains and butterflies; an enjoyable activity; a favorite pet; family and friends; fellow Christians encouraged; the uncountable blessings from God; they are all included.

And did I mention my grandchildren. Turn off the TV; No! sell the TV, and turn the grandkids loose...Lovely, pleasing, drawing affection.

Why not pause...and spend time each day thinking about lovely things.