Whatever…

Finally, brothers and 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.                                                                                   Philippians 4:8

We hear that word “whatever” said at times in verbal exchanges as a way to end a conversation- often abruptly and unsatisfactorily. The writer Paul of Tarsus however used it in a much more beneficial way. He used the word as a term of acceptance in the truest sense of the word.

His suggestions in the letter to the Philippians contains some of the best mental health advice I can think of. He says, in essence, concentrate on what is positive in your world. There is plenty of negative around you, and if you spend a lot of time dwelling there, you might end up living there! But consider what is good. Move toward that, and you will be a lot healthier and better off.

I like Paul’s plan.

Prayer: Lord, help us to concentrate on what is good, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, Amen.