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 

As believers, we understand the importance of protecting our minds. The spiritual battle in anyone’s life is usually waged there. As Paul moves into the last portion of his letter, he leaves us with some sound instruction for protecting our hearts and minds. In this directive, he reminds us to dwell on things that our worth our time. The word “dwell” means that we should consider, take into account, and purposely determine to focus on these things. If our minds were a tent, we should pitch it in the midst of such things. Negative, disruptive, and distressing things might sell in the market place, but for the believer, we are to avoid those negatives, setting our minds on the positive. Healthy emotions, minds, and spirits are those who continually dwell on the good. Consider Paul’s list for what constitutes the positive. 

Whatever Is True

If two people were to stand at the top of a very tall building, both would be susceptible to the same realities of gravity. One person might understand and respect this realty while the other might suggest that he/she could “walk on air.” But the effects of stepping off of the building would be the same for both parties whether or not they “believed” in gravity. This physical reality is not dependent on one’s position or attitude rather it simply exists. Spiritual reality is much the same. Whether someone believes and accepts the gospel or not makes no difference as to the reality and truthfulness of it. Often, we see spiritual matters presented as a virtual “thought buffet” in which we can simply select whatever we want to believe. Spiritual matters are often thought of as preference or personal opinion. But truth is dealing with fact and reality. For the believer, we know the truth and that truth is not in a philosophy, doctrine, or theological leaning. Truth is a Person and that Person is Jesus. Paul says that we are to dwell on whatever is true.

Whatever Is Honorable

Most of us understand the concept of honorable. These are things that are august, respected, and distinguished. These are the virtuous and excellent things of life. When people operate at an exceedingly high level, we often honor them for their outstanding performance. When someone acts with moral integrity, we label that individual as “honorable.” But the most important thing to remember is that acting in an honorable manner requires a moral standard. In other words, it would be absurd to suggest that someone is acting honorably unless those actions can be distinguished from those that are not. Without God there is no objective morality. Paul tells us to dwell on things that are honorable but those things must be rooted in the morality that is God’s standard.

Whatever Is Right

The idea of things that are right is also rooted in morality. To distinguish one person’s behavior as “right” from another’s deemed “wrong” requires a standard by which those distinctions are made. “Right” can be thought of as an abbreviated version for righteousness. To be righteous is to be perfect in keeping the Laws of God. Of course, we can do things considered “right” but to declare absolute righteousness, we need a Savior and Redeemer. Our boasting of righteousness requires the actions of someone beyond ourselves, something that surpasses our feeble attempts at right living. We need to trust in the only One who passed through this life and perfectly accomplished this righteousness. That is why righteousness comes to us by faith and not by works. Paul tells us to dwell on whatever is right meaning whatever is righteous and that comes as we focus on the completed work of Christ on the cross.

Whatever Is Pure

Are we beginning to see a connection between all of the things that Paul has listed as worthy of our dwelling? He adds to truth, honor, and righteousness: purity. For something to be pure it must be unadulterated, uncontaminated, and not diluted in any way. I can’t help but remember the pastor that asked if we would eat a freshly baked chocolate cookie that was purely made without any mixture of foreign substances. Of course, most of us would be quite willing to enjoy that cookie. But then he contrasted that with one that was 90% cookie but also contained 10% foreign substance such as excrement. As disgusting as that example might have been, I believe the pastor made his point. When it comes to purity, 100% of the material must be uncontaminated. That is why none of us, apart from Christ, can boast absolute purity. Our thoughts, words, and deeds can often be contaminated with selfishness and corruption. But for the believer, Christ in us brings the opportunity for us to enjoy purity. Paul tells us to dwell on things that are pure.

Whatever Is Lovely

The word lovely brings to mind things that are acceptable, pleasing, and agreeable. Because we live in the flesh, we often equate loveliness with the things that are external such as appearance. But spiritual loveliness comes from what is within. It is the attitudes of the heart that God sees. Our motives, attitudes, and desires are all to flow out of a “lovely” heart. When Paul tell us to dwell on things that are lovely, he is instructing us to look beyond the physical and to peer into the heart.

Whatever Is Of Good Repute

Repute is the root word for reputation. When someone has a good reputation, they have moved closer to earning our trust. Some translations render this as a “good report.” When I think of things considered as a good report, I can’t help but think of the gospel. “Gospel” literally means good news. As believers, we are told in scripture to be the bearers of “good news of good things.” Whether or not someone positively responds to the gospel, the message is the same and that message is good news. Paul tells us to dwell on things that are of good repute.

Truth, honor, righteousness, purity, loveliness, and good reputation are all found in the Person of Jesus Christ. To focus on Jesus is to dwell on these things. May you find emotional, mental, and spiritual security as you dwell on these things!