~Whatever is true, whatever is honorable… if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things
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Philippians 4:8
Parents have often said to their children, “Did you think about that before you did it?!” knowing full well that, if the child had been thinking about it, they would likely not be sitting there hearing the question. People act according to how they think or don’t think, as the case may be. However, recognizing right from wrong should not be subjectively determined. What is true determines the rest: what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. . The fact that many refuse to believe in Him allows them to live by feelings or preferences instead of truth.
In his commentary on Philippians, John MacArthur says that people in today’s culture no longer ask if something is true. “Truth [to them] is whatever works and produces positive emotions.” Feelings and opinions have become more important than truth… but it is dangerous to live by them. When the truth is left out, there is no standard. One’s “right” may be another’s “wrong.” They have eliminated the standard that God has set for humanity.
At a time when Israel was flailing because of the evil they were doing, the Lord said to them, “Come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). It was an invitation to leave the bad and come back to truth under God’s hand. Scripture is full of truths that can be understood by the believing mind… and by the thinking mind.
What is true determines the rest: what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
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