Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8.
I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "lovely".
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. Philippians 4:8
Meditate. Think on. Ponder.
Take an Inventory.
Whatever things are—Lovely.
Whatever things are lovely.
Lovely: properly, worthy of personal affection; hence, dearly prized, i.e. worth the effort to have and embrace (used only in Phil 4:8).
Worth the effort to have.
Effort: exertion of physical or mental power: something done by exertion or hard work.
How badly do I want it? Am I wiling to work for it? If it's dearly prized, than yes!
I was reminded of a great opportunity I had in September 2012 of being on the Pit Box during a NASCAR race at Chicagoland Speedway. Living with chronic pain, it took ALL the effort I had to attend and enjoy the day. The pain was extreme, but it was an amazing day. The experience of enjoying the NASCAR race from the Pits was worth the effort to embrace that day.
If something is lovely, then we will go beyond our normal efforts to achieve it or get it. Think, ponder on things that are lovely. How many times to I settle and allow things that are easy to fill my heart, mind, and life. How many times do I choose the easy road, and ignore the things that are lovely—simply because it will take more work an effort?
Think, ponder, allow to fill my thoughts—on things that are lovely. Only things that are worth the effort to have and to embrace.
What is of worth to me? What am I wiling to work for? What is lovely? What do I consider a prize worth having?
Worth the effort to have—lovely.
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