Called and Accountable

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report . . . If there is ANY virtue and if there is ANYTHING praiseworthy, meditate on THESE things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these DO, and the God of peace WILL be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

To "meditate" is to think deeply or to focus one's mind for a period of time. It refers to planning mentally and to "consider". Paul reminds us here in these verses to focus our minds and to seriously consider these things . . .Godly characteristics if you would, in order to truly live for God and to experience His peace. In order to live a life that not only pleases God but also brings us joy, we cannot be caught up in the pleasures nor the pains of this world! Too much of a good thing can indeed be dangerous. Focusing on the negatives will also harm us. There must be a balance. There must be the focus upon God's truths and His instruction. Paul also reminds young and old alike that the things we have had modeled before us, the things we have been taught, we are to DO! I think I can also hear James saying to be DOERS of the Word . . .not simply HEARERS! (James 1:22)