“those things” and “these things”

…those things…

You’ve got a list. I imagine we all do, or at least most of us have had one at one time or another. A member who it certainly appears has an agenda to get you fired. An issue that is threatening the unity of the church. A weariness that is pulling you into itself. A lethargy that has spread even to your heart and is sapping your passion. A feeling of not being appreciated for the work you do. A comparison that makes you feel “less than.” A statement made about you or your preaching that you can’t shake out of your mind. Yes, we’ve all got or had a list. 

…those things…they get in our head and filter down to our heart.

One of the things I love most about the Bible is God’s plain plan to redirect us. The statement is clear: “beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8 NRSV). 

…these things…

I don’t know what those things are in your life, but I know they are there. God’s directive is to replace “those things” with “these things.” Yes, there’s a list of the true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent things. Today, redirect, pull your focus off “those things” and look intently at “these things.” I can assure you, your day will be better. 

I do know most of “those things” are out of your control. BUT you can strive to control the things you focus on. Think on “these things.”

May God bless you and direct your thinking today toward “these things.”