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Answer
Philippians 4:8 is a well-known verse that encourages believers to contemplate “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, . . . excellent, or praiseworthy.” This directive implies that believers have the ability to manage their thoughts and that their thought life should be characterized by what is good and uplifting.
The book of Philippians can be described as notably positive. While there are some admonishments directed at a few individuals and suggestions that the church may lack the unity it should have, most of the book presents a positive declaration of what the church should pursue rather than a criticism of what they are neglecting to do or an urging to cease certain behaviors.
In chapter 1, Paul discusses his imprisonment and expresses confidence that this will advance the gospel. He also urges the church to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the gospel, regardless of his or their circumstances.
Chapter 2 highlights Christ as the supreme model of prioritizing the interests of others, encouraging the Philippians to embrace the same mindset and put it into practice.
Chapter 3 cautions the church against teachers who seek to add works to the grace of Christ for salvation. It then draws a distinction between false teachers and genuine believers who, like Paul, place no reliance on human achievements.
In the concluding chapter, Paul outlines a series of actions he desires the Philippians to take, a form of guidance that has been present throughout the entire letter:
– Stand firm in the Lord (verse 1)
– Rejoice in the Lord always (verse 4)
– Let your gentleness be evident to all (verse 5)
– Do not be anxious about anything, but pray about everything (verse 6)
– Finally, verse 8 states: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
Lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Paul could probably have continued for several more chapters admonishing and encouraging the Philippians to live rightly, but he summarizes it with a catchall that encompasses every positive thing he could have mentioned. While it might be valuable to analyze the meaning of each term he uses in the list of things to contemplate, the desired effect is cumulative. The point is not to compare and contrast the various categories of things a Christian should think about, but to compile a list covering everything good, positive, biblical, godly, encouraging, etc.—and exclude everything that is not.
We live in a world that constantly bombards us with messages, images, and worldviews that are incompatible with a biblical worldview and biblical guidelines for godly behavior. Even Christians can start thinking in secular, rather than biblical, categories if popular, secular culture begins to shape their values. Paul reminds us that we must consistently reject those things that do not draw us closer to God and consciously focus on the things that do. We have the ability to choose what we think about.
Reflecting on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise applies to every aspect of life, but would seem to be particularly suitable for evaluating the consumption of popular media—music, TV, movies, and literature. This does not mean that everything we watch, read, or listen to must be overtly Christian in nature, but it does mean that it should draw our hearts closer to God and increase our desire to obey Him, to fellowship with other believers, and to share the gospel. If the subject of our thoughts does not do these things, then it does not pass the test of Philippians 4:8. It seems likely that if Christians took this verse seriously, our media consumption habits would have to change.
