We’ve been spending some time with Philippians 4:8-9. That’s where Paul says this: 

“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.”

Take special note of that last line: “And the God of peace will be with you.” 

Here’s a very practical suggestion to help you focus on those good and godly things Paul mentioned: Watch, scroll and speak with Jesus at your side.

This is about cultivating peace in your brain. How many of us watched too much news this past week? How many of us scrolled endlessly on social media only to discover than an hour of our lives had disappeared? How many of us entertained invisible thoughts that took us toward a dark place? 

What happens in the eyes and in the brain is an invisible diet which either helps us or hurts us.

Just because the world is an expert at serving up junk in our screens, shows and words, that doesn’t mean we need to gobble it down. 

‘Oh look, some videos that are all about smearing someone!’ Gobble gobble gobble.
‘Oh wow, a talk show that is basically 100% gossip!’ Gobble gobble gobble.
‘Lookie here, some new information that is based on hearsay and deception!’ Gobble gobble gobble.

Imagine yourself scrolling with Jesus, or watching TV with Jesus, or him listening in on the things you say. This is not about making you feel bad. It’s not him spying on you, but injecting peace and joy into your heart and mind. John 10:10 describes one of the reasons Jesus came—that we might have abundant life!

Imagine the impact on your mind if on a daily basis your brain digested more of what’s beautiful (and less of what’s ugly), more of what’s loving (and less of what’s hateful), and more of what’s hopeful (and less of what is dark)? 

Ah…

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, think about such things, and the God of peace will be with you.

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Notes:

-“How To Achieve World Peace: Step 1.” Sermon. November 10, 2024. Click here.

–Coming this Sunday, November 17, 2024 on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’: “How do demons gain access to people—a talk with Steve Dabbs,” the author of “When Demons Surface: True Stories about Spiritual Warfare and What the Bible Says about Confronting the Darkness.”

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.