What

do we like talking about more—good news or bad news? How much of

our conversation includes hashing over bad things going on at work or

in the church? If we are ­honest, we might have to admit that bad

news not only travels fast but can also dominate our minds. True,

sometimes we are eager to share good news: to announce an engagement,

a wedding, or the birth of a child. But pondering the ugly is more

common. Bad news and conflict sell more news, the ­experts say.

Paul

wants the Philippians to concentrate on what is admirable, lovely,

pure, excellent, and praiseworthy. Yes, there are plenty of bad

things to ponder, and we have to deal with them. But let’s try,

Paul urges, to focus on what is good. Let’s try to spend long

stretches in our conversations pondering beautiful things from all

kinds of angles rather than hashing over bad stuff again and again.

Paul

must have been pretty good at this himself, since he holds himself up

as a role ­model. But the point is that it brings us peace to

fill our minds with all that God has made lovely and praiseworthy.

Pondering what is beautiful leads to gratitude, and we all know that

grateful people also tend to be very content, peaceful people.

Be

that way, Paul says. It is the best way to live before the face of

our generous, loving God!