On Sunday, our pastor taught on the book of Philippians. Over the last year, each week we've been focusing on a different book of the Bible. This past week was Philippians which has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible. My love of Philippians probably started in 5th grade when I had to memorize, Philippians 2:2-11~ Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose....
Philippians is a positive book to me. One about choosing to have a good attitude and choosing to be joyful. We learned Sunday that Paul when he was writing Philippians was in prison and not just in prison but chained 24/7 to a Roman guard. And yet, he still was able to say he had learned to be content in any circumstances (Phil. 4:11).
We then went on to focus on Philippeans 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. .
I think too often it is easy to focus on what isn't going right and what we want to be different or how we want things to change instead of focusing on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.
Sometimes things are just rough and it is hard to focus on those things. We are hurting and it is difficult to find joy in the midst of those times that are so trying and hard. And I think God understands that and walks beside us and truly carries us through those really difficult and sad times. It is not during those hard, heartsick times that I am talking about.
But I also think, sometimes people just find it easier to dwell on the things that irritate or bug them. I know I do. It is easy to let my frustrations get the better of me. To not have grace for those people who do not meet my expectations in JUST the way I want them met. To put my own requirements, standards and expectations on others, and to be frustrated when they aren't fulfilled or I find out the standards of others aren't the same as mine. And then from there ~ the anger, bitterness, resentment can start and get a foothold in my life. I think it is important and very critical (for me at least) to really watch my expectations and emotions and make sure I'm not judging others because their personal preferences are different than mine. (and then secretly thinking I am better than they are because to ME, my choices are ALWAYS better). Of course, I am not talking of those things that are explicit in God's word, but more those things that are ambiguous, gray areas, and personal preferences.
When I take the time to focus and set my heart on those things that are true, honorable, right, pure and lovely, I know I am much more joyful and probably a much nicer person to be around. I am a better witness to the Lord's love for us all. And it is all about the choice that I make each day regarding my attitude. What do I CHOOSE to focus on. Do I find the good, honorable and lovely aspects of others or the situation I am currently facing or do I focus on the negatives. They are both there in each one of us, it is all about what we focus on.
One of my most favorite sayings is by Charles Swindoll.
Attitude
Philippians is a positive book to me. One about choosing to have a good attitude and choosing to be joyful. We learned Sunday that Paul when he was writing Philippians was in prison and not just in prison but chained 24/7 to a Roman guard. And yet, he still was able to say he had learned to be content in any circumstances (Phil. 4:11).
We then went on to focus on Philippeans 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. .
I think too often it is easy to focus on what isn't going right and what we want to be different or how we want things to change instead of focusing on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.
Sometimes things are just rough and it is hard to focus on those things. We are hurting and it is difficult to find joy in the midst of those times that are so trying and hard. And I think God understands that and walks beside us and truly carries us through those really difficult and sad times. It is not during those hard, heartsick times that I am talking about.
But I also think, sometimes people just find it easier to dwell on the things that irritate or bug them. I know I do. It is easy to let my frustrations get the better of me. To not have grace for those people who do not meet my expectations in JUST the way I want them met. To put my own requirements, standards and expectations on others, and to be frustrated when they aren't fulfilled or I find out the standards of others aren't the same as mine. And then from there ~ the anger, bitterness, resentment can start and get a foothold in my life. I think it is important and very critical (for me at least) to really watch my expectations and emotions and make sure I'm not judging others because their personal preferences are different than mine. (and then secretly thinking I am better than they are because to ME, my choices are ALWAYS better). Of course, I am not talking of those things that are explicit in God's word, but more those things that are ambiguous, gray areas, and personal preferences.
When I take the time to focus and set my heart on those things that are true, honorable, right, pure and lovely, I know I am much more joyful and probably a much nicer person to be around. I am a better witness to the Lord's love for us all. And it is all about the choice that I make each day regarding my attitude. What do I CHOOSE to focus on. Do I find the good, honorable and lovely aspects of others or the situation I am currently facing or do I focus on the negatives. They are both there in each one of us, it is all about what we focus on.
One of my most favorite sayings is by Charles Swindoll.
Attitude
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.
It will make or break a company... a church... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.
Hi Kim! I love reading your blog, but this one really spoke to me. Thank you! Smiles, Tina
ReplyDeleteI love that quote from Mr. Swindoll Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeletePhillipians is one of my favorites, too!