Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
I don't know about you, but I find myself overwhelmed sometimes. The World of Media is relentless in its invasion attempts of our hearts and minds. I find myself needing some sort of filter to keep out the cr... "garbage", but one that lets in the good stuff. There is good stuff out there. Isn't there?
So, I've decided on a question: Does it pass the "Whatever" test? Not the teen angst "whatever" - "Did you take out the garbage? Make your bed? Do your homework? Have a good time? Break your leg?"
"Whatever."
Makes me want to go armed with a rubber-band gun, reward the offender with a sharp and painful shot, then when they whine about it say, "Awwww. Whatever!"
No, I'm thinking more along the lines of what we give ourselves to think about, imagine, fill our time, the "content of our lives." TV, the Web, movies, music, books. Do they pass the Test? Are they on the list?
...whatever is true... So much for TV - especially the "news" media. Better keep looking:
...worthy of respect... Well that thins out the candidates - especially in national journalism and politics.
What else?
...just...Is there anybody out there standing up for true righteousness and justice? Anybody?
...pure...Yeah, right, through today's media sewer storm!
..lovely...Only after application of heavy duty cosmetics and photo shop. And I'm pretty sure he wasn't talking about faces and figures anyway.
...commendable...Hmmm. Got to get me some better channels!!
Actually, no. Just have to focus on a better Source. While many of these qualities are found in isolation, scattered here and there in the world, there is one Person where they ALL find fulfillment: Christ Jesus. Now when the anxieties of this life attempt to invade, I've got a Shield, a Defender, a Peace-keeper extraordinaire!
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
