Truth and Beauty

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. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)

Paul writes to the Philippians at a time when they needed to hear a ‘word’ of instruction about ‘right thinking.’  Paul knows, as do we, that our actions proceed from our thinking.  Orienting our thinking toward the truth and beauty of God’s vision inspires actions that are worthy of the faith that is in us.

Some of our actions find their way into our speech.  Our discourse, both secular and religious, has taken a turn toward the negative.  We are not hesitant to criticize each other, or to assume the harshest motivations for behaviors we may not understand.  We don’t take time to understand one another because that would involve opening to the heart of the other. 

Paul proposes a different kind of interaction to the small church in Philippi and to us.  Think on whatever is true, whatever is pleasing.  In other words those old hallmarks of philosophy and poetry, which are here presented as Christian virtues.   These virtues emphasize hope and serve as counterpoints to the despair that appears to be a strong theme in modern secular discourse. 

Paul is not talking about MY truth or MY beauty, but the truth that comes from a beloved community who are in the body of Christ.  Together we can discern truth and beauty in each other, in the community and in the world.

What would our discourse sound like if we left alone these negative, critical postures and stood together in a posture of love and consideration?

I believe that discourse would be a hymn to the Living Lord; with a beat no one could resist moving to.  We would sing and we would dance.  We would care for one another and we would love each other, without a requirement of perfection.  The people would be free, and the children would not have to wonder why the adults were so angry.