The Pursuit of Happiness Daily Devotional -34

PHILIPPIANS 1:7 | ⁷ Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 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.

Paul’s list of transforming thoughts also includes things which are just. Just actions or people fit into God’s purpose and obey His will. They treat others with a sacred respect.

Purity too makes the list. This word comes from the Greek word for holy, like the vessels in the temple and the priests who would maintain the laws on cleanliness. It is also a moral term. Our age has unfortunately foresworn moral judgement in many areas, licensing and sometimes encouraging appetites once deemed immoral. Pornography is one example of impure material that can pollute us, undermining our capacity for genuine relationships. 

Focus also on things that are attractive, gracious, and excellent or virtuous. The ugly and repulsive, the unkind and resentful, and the vicious and inferior can be set aside, in favor of the things which help us develop a winning way and strong character.

Pick two of these categories and dwell on them for 10 minutes.

Tags: just, purity