Finally, brethren, whatev - er 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. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Paul was inspired to teach the Phi- lippians what to set their minds on— and God preserved those words for us today. In a troubled world, our minds must stay anchored on what is positive and good. God’s Word is the true source of what is honorable, pure, lovely, and of good report. If we focus on the way of life He has given us and truly live it, we can have a positive attitude in every as- pect of life. A Positive Example We have been called to a life of purpose. King David is a powerful example of a purposeful, positive outlook. His life was filled with faith. Yes, his writings describe deep trials and raw emotion. For years he was hunted like an animal, living with the knowledge that if he were caught he would be killed. Yet through it all he never lost trust in God. He knew God would do what He had promised. Did that confidence come from Da - vid himself? Or did it come from the Holy Spirit God gave him? Scrip- ture makes the answer clear. Psalm 23 records: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie
down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still wa - ters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righ - teousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. David was positively confident that God would finish what He had be - gun in him. He trusted that God would fulfill His purpose. That same faith is available to us. It is a gift. The Apostle Paul recorded in Ephesians 2:8–10: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
The faith isn’t worked up human- ly—it is the faith God gives. Then it must be exercised and put to use. Just as God was with David, He is with His people if they commit to live differently: Faith, a life of obe - dience, love, outgoing concern, and positive focus on God’s purpose. Stay Focused Romans 8:18 states: For I consider that the suffer - ings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Christians will all have to face tri- als and struggles. The suffering is real. But it cannot compare with the glory God will reveal in us—if we hold fast, keep a positive mindset, and focus on the end goal God has promised. In Romans 8:28 we see: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Continued on page 18
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