Taking Inventory

Phil. 4:8  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. (NIV)

In my opinion, this is one of those verses in the NIV Bible that is easily misunderstood or not understood at all simply because of the translation.  Listed are six "whatever" things that Paul says we should meditate (NIV) on.  Okay, so whenever I have the opportunity I should think about things that fall into any one of these six categories, conclude my thought process at some point and then get on with my day, right?  Not exactly.

The word meditate (logizomai) means to pay close attention to, not to think about but rather to think on, to study intending to put into practice, to take inventory.  What we have here is a checklist of six attributes that Paul says should be evident in our lives and in the lives of all Christians.  He instructs us, essentially, to take an inventory of ourselves.

Do you keep your promises, fulfill your obligations, honor your friendships and speak without lying or deceiving?  Then you are true.  Are you honest, law abiding and respected by others?  Then you are noble.  Are you fair, equitable and of unquestionable integrity?  Then you are just.  Do you strive to lead a holy, sinless life in thought and deed?  Then you are pure.  Are you kind, friendly and lovable?  Do you have a temperament others can love?  Not sour or crabby?  Then you are lovely.  Are you gracious, courteous, respectful (especially to your parents)?  Do you have a good reputation?  Then you are of good report.

Not a bad self-examination, I think.  So, how did you do when taking inventory?


Sock Monkey Snippet:  Pay close attention to the "whatever" things.

The Good Dishes

2 Tim. 2:20, 21  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Many households, including our own, have two sets of dishes.  The ordinary ones we use every day and the "good" dishes that we reach for on special occasions.

Likewise, Scripture tells us that in a great house, a.k.a. the church, there are also two sets of dishes (vessels).  One ordinary set, the wood and clay, and one special set, the gold and silver.  Vessels for dishonor and vessels for honor, respectively.

The set of  "dishes" to which we belong is based on a choice that we make.  Sin is what defiles us and makes us a vessel of dishonor.  By avoiding (departing from) it (v. 19), we live in the purity and holiness that God desires.  We are to be (become or be found) holy, because He is holy (1 Pet. 1:15, 16), and to present ourselves ready as the cleansed, sanctified vessels of honor that are useful to Him.

Also, realize that gold and silver vessels will endure fire, the trials, temptations and persecution of life.  Wood and clay ones will not.  As vessels of honor, we should not be surprised by the greater trials and temptations and greater persecution that will come.  For as C. H. Spurgeon wrote, "Thieves are most anxious to steal not the pots and wooden vessels, but the gold and silver ones."

When God reaches for His "good" dishes, will you be ready for Him to use?

Sock Monkey Snippet:  Vessels of honor are useful for the Master