Whatever is .... (7)

Jack was struggling to explain the scope of “no.”

Professor Jack McKinney, Harding University Greek instructor, was attempting to explain the Greek negative found in 1 John 1:5 (“...and in Him there is no darkness at all.”). He reminded us of a bright summer day with its shadows. Then he asked what it might look like if there were no shadows, or any other forms of slight darkness. He added the ideas together to show us how bright the world would look. He concluded that God was brilliant, with no shadows (evil) of ANY kind or amount. There was not a hint of darkness.

If there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, ….

Paul wanted his point thoroughly made in Philippians 4:8. He wanted it complete. He added to the list two “shadow” areas: excellence and praise. He combined both ideas.

Paul was emphatic. He added ANY excellence and ANYthing worth praising. He urged them to search out ANY virtuous thought, feeling or action. Seek ANY amount of moral goodness. Find ALL modesty and purity. He added ANY thing worthy of approval or sanction. Hunt ALL things worth endorsing or recognizing, commending or praising.

Paul had told them, and us, to consider carefully whatever is of truth, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute. Now he adds ANY area that might be closely associated with ANY of the powerful qualities. His thoughts must be complete.

Paul is challenging you to look for excellence or moral goodness ANYwhere it might be found. This creates a mind set always aware of the good, commendable things.

Then, as the chain reaction continues, genuine praise will flow. We will speak well of good organizations or people. We praise good behavior.

Some are elevated from their muck and mire, and others develop a new attitude as well.

Are you looking for ANY thing excellent or ANY thing praiseworthy? Think about it!

Philippians 4:8 “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.”

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Study truth, honor, things pure, lovely, of good repute. And thank you for considering ANYthing excellent or praiseworthy.

But now would be the WORST time to stop reading. The most powerful thought of this series will be discussed: the verb. Please read the final link, coming very shortly.

Missing

There was no warning. He just wasn't there. My scheduled replacement, "J.W.", should be on time.

It was 11:10 p.m. I was tired. Ten minutes before my shift ended. I was sleepy and ready to go to bed. But security guards are not off duty, no matter what the reason, without being replaced.

I called the other guardhouse to inform the other guards about his absence. “Call the Lieutenant,” was the barbed reply. I knew they were right.

“Lieutenant, he is not here, again. This makes four times.”

“Big surprise, huh?” came the sleepy, sarcastic voice. “Stay put, and I'll call you back shortly,” the Lieutenant grumped.

At 11:14 a guard notifying me of the Lieutenant's actions. He had ask another guard to go to JW's house and wake him up. At 11:27 I learned J.W. was on his way. The 6-minute drive took him 18 minutes. At 11:45 he arrived. He gave no apology. His excuse was suspicious.

I relayed important information, completed the required paper work and phone call, turned the equipment over to him, and hit the door. I failed to give him a quick examination for drugs or alcohol.

This true story has been fictionalized and exaggerated. Why? So I can practice Philippians 4:8. Phil 4:8 has eight areas needing evaluation, meditation, and decisions. Phil 4:8 lead to a greater dependence of God, seeing reality through God's eyes, and making decisions to enhance life here and now.

Here is what I found. You will see areas where your help is needed.

• Whatever is True.
  • Expect the unexpected. I need to be ready for anything.
    • 

      Being a bit like Gumby is a good thing. Be flexible.
    • Be ready for the Lord to return. No one knows His time. Be prepared.
  • Be Patient. With planning, there is little reason for hurrying. James 1:3-4 says, "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
• Whatever is Noble
  • What Noble thing could I done? Suggestions? Put your ideas in the comment section, please.
• 

  Whatever is Just 
  • Writing him up would have been just. Justice might serve the repeat offender. It might begin disciplinary measures in hopes of correcting JW's behavior.
• Whatever is Pure.
  • I fail to see anything Pure. If you do, please put your idea in the comment box at the bottom.
• Whatever is Lovely / Acceptable / Dignified.
  • Could I have approached him to check for alcohol or drug use with dignity? I would like to think I could. A highly professional approach should be acceptable, even expected, from a fellow guard.
• Whatever is of Good Report / Endorsable.
  • The third guard sent to his home is something I support. I am glad the guard did for JW's good. Would it have been better if I had went instead?
• Any Virtue.
  • Morally, I demand punctuality in myself, noting the effects of tardiness on others.,
• Anything Praiseworthy.
  • My Lieutenant was responsive to the situation. I should develop the ability to respond carefully and appropriately to all situations,too.