"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (Phil 4:8 NLT, a thought-for-thought translation)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable." (Phil 4:8 GOD'S WORD, a meaning-for-meaning translation)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things." (Phil 4:8 NET, a literal translation)

I know I'm not alone in thinking this way.  The news is toxic and divisive, religious freedom and liberty are under constant attack, and the state of trust in our governing authorities is at the lowest point ever.

It takes intentional effort to shift our focus on what is wrong and the hope we have in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 8 reminds us to focus on truth and beauty in the broadest terms.

Truth, because what is true never changes, whether it's a spiritual truth, a factual truth, or a scientific truth. Truth (with a capital "T") is absolute. The Truth reminds us of God's unchanging character and gives us an anchor in the stormy sea of life and work.

Beauty has many dimensions. An elegant solution is beautiful, a functional design can be beautiful, and creation (despite the broken nature of this world) is gorgeous. God makes beautiful things, and he wants us to enjoy them and create them. Beauty reminds us that God is extravagant and generous in his desire to create beauty.

All this is about renewing our minds and changing the way we think.

Brothers and sisters, think about everything through a lens of truth and beauty, and share how it changes the way you think!