Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phillipians 4:8
Bad news sells. Top stories for Tulsa on Feb. 23 included the man arrested for starting fires, the death of a homecoming queen, and a man accused of threatening to blow up DHS with a Ryder Truck. None of the headlines offered any good news. Why? Would we rather hear of tragedy, so that our lives look good in comparison? Are we uninterested as a society in hearing about good samaritans, or lives that have been changed for the better, or someone who is working to improve the lives of others? Or do we just want our basic inner pessimism to be bolstered?
In his letter to the Phillipians, Paul encourages the people of God to reflect on things that are true, honorable, just, pure and commendable. But, why? A friend of mine is fond of saying to people who are speaking critically to one another: "Now, is that life giving?" Life giving - that is what we are to be about. If we focus on all the negatives in our world, in politics, in our environment, in our cities and homes, our spirit's are denied good life giving food. We need to focus on the work that is being done around us that is positive. Discover the people in your life who are bringing about change - in education, in human rights, in building God's Kingdom, in helping the disabled, in government. Listen to their stories and be encouraged! Of course, we can't deny that there is evil and corruption in the world. There is sadness, greed, disease, and disaster all around us. But, it is harder to change this world when we are filled with dread and negativity, than when we continually hold on to the good.
Dear God, help us to see your hand in the world about us. And help us to join in to that work, trusting in you to bring out the good in every situation.
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