In a society where almost anything goes, it is almost old-fashioned to hone in on things that really matter.  It is easy to go with the flow, and conform to a picture of what life is about that is potentially set by the screen of Neighbours or the site of “second life”.   Sure, life-crises pull us up, ground us back in reality, and ask questions of us.  But what if we were to simply take the time to avoid distraction, shift our focus from the transient feel-good to the more significant?  How might our lives be changed.  Interestingly, this passage of Paul links ‘peace of mind’ with the call to ponder the things that matter.  How easy it is to sit and let the television fill our heads at the end of a tiring day, or to allow our kids to be consumed by the latest hi-tech world.  Discerning that which is life-giving and that which is life-diminishing must be part of our decision making process.  The temptation is to surrender to what is presented, rather than be decisive about what is helpful or unhelpful. Interestingly, reading a book takes so much more energy, we are far more likely to exercise our discernment skills.  Being prepared to put aside that which is destructive, whether it loses or gains favour, is the only means by which we can live honest and truthful lives.  The eternal wisdom of Paul continues to call us to authentic and truthful living.

“One final thing, my dear friends, give your hearts and minds some healthy stuff to chew on. Authentic stuff, principled stuff, uncontaminated stuff. Things that are worthwhile, fulfilling, and straight as a die. Things of integrity that make for a fair go for all. These are the kind of things you should fill your minds with – quality stuff instead of shoddiness. Meditate on these things and you can’t go wrong. Keep yourselves on track, putting into practice what you picked up from me, from my teaching and from the example I set. Rest assured, the God of peace will be right there with you.” Philippians 4:8 -9 Nathan Nettleton