HOW WE GO ABOUT LIVING

July 7, 2026

            In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he writes, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable…think about these things.”  (4:8)  What is honorable about life?  Who is honorable in your eyes?  How do you live an honorable life?

For me, the humble are people who think of others first, who give of themselves without expecting something in return, who are people of honor.  And as I see those qualities in others, I pray that I remember to also walk that pathway as best I can.

July 12, 2026

            Paul further writes in Philippians 4:8, “whatever is pleasing…think about these things.”  This is an interesting one, because so much depends upon how we interpret the word “pleasing.”  Considering when Paul wrote this, with his being affected by the teachings of Jesus, he surely meant that the focus is not to be on pleasing us, but rather that he means something that is pleasing to God.

For me, I think that while we may have different ideas about what is pleasing to God and others, we can’t miss pleasing God when we love others, remembering the very important phrase, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."  (Matthew 7:12)  And then, God blesses us with great joy, for the pleasing of God with our love of others comes back to us and again fills our cup to overflowing.

A NEW JOURNEY

Reflecting on theology and life in the church.

ARTS IN THE CHURCH

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