"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9)
Paul encourages the Christians at Philippi to practice living all the things that have set him apart from unbelievers. He was their model, their encouragement for a life that could be lived as pleasing to God. In Phil. 4:8, he had given them a list of things to fill their minds and lives with, "whatever is true,...noble,...right,...pure,...lovely, ...admirable,...excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."
This is something that we can do. Chuck Swindoll says, "It will help to focus our attention on someone we know and/or admire. That life, that encouraging model will give us a boost, a quick charge when our battery starts getting low." Can you think of a person that you admire for the way they live their life, someone who always seems to have Christ at the center of their actions and attitudes? I have someone in mind. She is someone who always encourages me by her zeal for the Lord.
But, you know, I guess maybe...shouldn't this be a goal for our life? Shouldn't we strive to be the example, the model that someone else is looking for? It is great to have a good example in our lives, but how much greater to be that example for someone else. Can I do this? Well, Paul did, and that person I have in mind as a model has done it, so that makes it an achievable goal for me. The plan begins with the words of Philippians 4:8. I have written out the complete verse for you to read and meditate on today.
"Finally, brothers (or sisters), 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."