Whatever is Lovely

As part of this series in looking at transformation in the mind onto Christlikeness, we will be looking at the next attribute listed in Philippians 4:8, “whatever is lovely”. But before we go on, we need to understand what this attribute is before we can assimilate it into our thinking as we strive onto maturity in Christ.

The root word used for lovely in this passage is the Greek word “prosphilē” which means “Pleasing”, “acceptable” or “grateful”. Essentially, this is calling for a kind of thinking that embodies what is acceptable before God and man implying that it must conform to God’s word and His ways, and societal regulations that are in line with God’s word. This is one of the ways of being a sheep in the midst of wolves, as the disciples of Christ in a dying world, with the strategy of being wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove (cf. Matthew 10:16). Pleasing God will invariably please men who value what is right whether they be believers or not.

Also, it helps us direct our allegiance towards pleasing God which is the right thing to do rather than pleasing men. Man was created to have fellowship and not stay all by himself. We were created for community and to ensure order, there is a chain of command functionally to ensure accountability and responsibility to facilitate progress and the betterment of society. This then leads to people submitting to authority which brings us to the point where we see why people submit or please authority – some to gain favour for selfish ambitions, others to fear God and some, because they have a sense of responsibility. There could be many reasons why people want to please others.

Finally, this calls for a kind of thinking that embodies gratitude. For the believer, it is quintessential to live a life of gratitude because that is the way of the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV says “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. It is in your best interest to give thanks to God. Let’s draw a parallel shall we?

Now, have you ever shown gratitude to someone who helped you in a time of utmost need? Did you realise how it made them feel about you? Maybe? Maybe not? Well, I can tell you that what you did kept that door of favour to them, open to you. The best way to know you had favour (that’s right! past tense!) is only when by your conduct of ingratitude, you show how ungrateful you are, revealing your self-entitlement. Did you realise you didn’t have access to the help of that significant person again? Yes – the door of favour (which makes things easy or possible) was shut. Now I don’t want you to be on the other side of favour so always show appreciation even if you don’t get feedback when you want, mainly because this other person that showed you favour may be very much occupied. Watch what you say and how you conduct yourself in the presence of many witnesses (yes – people are always watching and will speak up if need be! Be careful, please.)

Now that we have seen the dimensions of what lovely means in here, we must understand that it will only flow in our actions once our minds have been transformed to think in a way that is pleasing, acceptable and grateful to God. This is articulated by a popular saying “you are what you think”. Psychology tells us that your thinking has a huge influence on how you conduct yourself. Isaac Newton’s first law of Motion (AKA Law of Inertia) states that an object will remain at rest or continue to move with constant velocity unless acted by an external force.

In scripture, we can see this law as found in Genesis 3 where Eve was influenced by the serpent even though God had given a command about the tree they were not to eat from. We can also see throughout scripture how the chosen of God (Israel) were influenced or externally propelled by other forces to rebel against God (cf. Deuteronomy 7:3-4, 2 Kings 24, 25, just to list a few). This law is fundamental and applicable to transformation. In other words, unless the power (influence) of God’s transforming word hits you whether through an encounter or through human interaction which is God-ordained, you will continually indulge in the ways of the flesh which cannot please God (cf. Romans 8:8).

How then shall we live?

We must make an intentional decision to unlearn old things that are not pleasing to God nor acceptable by the standards of His word and learn the way of gratitude in every circumstance. Don’t fall into the trap of pleasing people. Make God the one you strive to please. This will demand spending time studying the word of God and prayer, as well as spending quality time of fellowship with God by His Spirit who is ever ready to commune. Come as you are but don’t expect to leave as you came.  So make sure you come with an open heart. And, you can only do this when you have a relationship with Jesus Christ through accepting His earth work and believing that He is alive.

Here is an opportunity to have that right standing with God. Today is the day of salvation. In this ever-dying world, Jesus promises life. He doesn’t say it’s going to be rosy always but He gives an assurance that it will end for your good, and life, with Him in the boat, will work out for your good. If you are willing to give your life to Jesus and make Him your Lord and Saviour, say “Lord Jesus, I confess and repent of my old ways of sin. I lay aside every sin and part ways with the systems of the world, Satan and his ways. I choose you this day as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I declare today that I am yours and you are mine. Take all of me and give me your Spirit. I declare I have crossed over from death to life. I am grateful for your sacrifice and love for me. Thank you Lord Jesus, amen”.

Welcome to the family of the Lord Jesus. I will encourage you to reach out to a Bible-believing and teaching church around you or simply reach out to me through the comments about your new decision and we can take it from there. With much Love from the Lord Jesus and myself, welcome once again.

The Blessing of the Lord God almighty abide with you now and always.

Shalom!