July 13 2026

Monday July 13

"The Pursuit of Moral Excellence"

Philippians 4:8

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we come to the final two descriptions in Paul's wonderful list found in Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Notice how Paul begins to summarize everything he has just written. "If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise."

The word virtue speaks of moral excellence. It describes the highest qualities of Christian character. It is the kind of life that reflects the excellence of Jesus Christ Himself. Peter uses this same word in 2 Peter 1:3 when he tells us that God has called us "to glory and virtue." Then in verse 5 he challenges us, "Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue..." God never saved us simply to escape hell. He saved us so that our lives would increasingly reflect the character of His Son. That is why Paul tells us to fill our minds with whatever is morally excellent.

The second phrase is, "If there be any praise..." This is not speaking primarily about receiving praise from people. It speaks of whatever is worthy of approval before God. We should ask ourselves this question: "If Jesus were sitting beside me, would He approve of what I am thinking about right now?" That one question can become a powerful guide for daily living.

As we have studied this verse together, Paul has given us a wonderful checklist for every thought that enters our minds. Is it true? Is it honorable? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it of good report? Does it demonstrate moral excellence? Would it receive God's approval? If the answer is yes... Paul says, "Think on these things." The words “think on” mean much more than having a passing thought. They mean to continually dwell upon these things. To weigh them carefully. To intentionally fill your mind with them.

God made us in such a way that our minds cannot think two thoughts at the same time. If we are thinking what we should be thinking, we cannot be thinking what we shouldn’t be thinking. Our minds are never neutral. If we do not deliberately fill them with God's truth, the world will gladly fill them with its own values.

That is why daily time in God's Word is not optional. It is essential. The psalmist wrote, "Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2). Notice the word meditate. God never intended His Word to be merely read. He intended it to be pondered. Turned over in our minds. Applied to our lives. As we meditate on God's truth, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms our thinking. The more we think like Christ... The more we live like Christ.

Years ago, someone wisely observed, "You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." There is much truth in that statement. Our thoughts shape our choices. Our choices shape our habits. Our habits shape our character. Our character shapes our influence. That is why the battle for the Christian life is first won or lost in the mind.

Today, determine to make Philippians 4:8 your daily filter. Before you entertain a thought, run it through Paul's checklist. If it passes...Think on it. If it fails... Replace it with the truth of God's Word.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to lives of moral excellence. Help us to measure every thought by Your holy Word. Renew our minds day by day until our thinking reflects the mind of Christ. May our lives become worthy of Your approval and useful for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!