Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – focus your attention on these things.
I recently heard a wise man say, “If you are not filling your heart, soul, and mind with good things – then you will have nothing inside that will gird you with strength when the crowd turns on you. You will have no deep well of goodness, encouragement, and wisdom inside when the drought that dries up all kindness is upon the land.”
The moments in my life when I have needed inner courage and integrity have not crept up on me slowly, rather they’ve come suddenly and unexpectedly. These moments often come clothed in the ordinary fabric of life: An opinion is stated by someone, then presumed to be the overarching agreement among friends. Others nod in agreement. Maybe it is an opinion with which you don’t agree or an opinion with which someone else might disagree – yet no room is given for a dissenting opinion. This is a type of bullying clothed in civility. It is at such insignificant-seeming moments that we are either equipped to respond with wisdom and kindness, or we stand naked with no internal support. The mind often freezes or is offended: neither direction produces a good outcome.
The acronym GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out or Good In Good Out) is a simple but true reminder. A conscious effort is required to put the Good In and to keep the Garbage Out. This isn’t merely talking about our concerns for our families, our neighborhoods, or even the world. Concerns are one thing – a wise and courageous response is another. What are you reading, watching, hearing, seeing, or talking about that will fortify your resolve to do good and stand for righteousness? Focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable – things that are excellent or praiseworthy! Fill your well, your soul, with life!