Be Optimistic

    Be Optimistic. I can never say that without humming the Shirley Temple song. But this isn't just good advice sung by a dimple-faced girl. It is a Biblical commandment to think on positive things. And before you get your Bible out to check, it isn't in the Big 10 listed in Exodus. This is a New Testament Commandment. Philippians 4:8-9 says:

   
     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.  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.

    Think on these things. Dwell, meditate, fill your minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Ideas that are excellent or praiseworthy. And this list is not exhaustive but representative. Think about the wording. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy.... " Paul is saying if anything falls under these things, it counts.

   
    Ponder for a moment. Think of things you consider good. That is a pretty long list, isn't it? How about noble? Other translations say honorable or reputable. Right or just? Pure or authentic? Lovely and compelling? Admirable, beautiful and gracious? We are to think on the best things, not the worst.

     I know this eliminates much of what we encounter in our lives today. With this criteria, a lot of our television programming, music, etc is a no-go. The Asbury Bible comments that "Right thinking results in right living, which results in the presence of the peace of God."

     But thinking on such things is not an end itself, but preparation for purposeful action. Verse 9 tells us to put this into practice. These two verses have potential to change our lives and bring us the peace that we need in our lives.