Worthy of Praise

Dear Victorious,

I read your blog and remember you mentioning in the past the admonition of Philippians 4:8 to focus on "things that are excellent and worthy of praise." What's a good way to determine what those things are?

Harry U. - Conshohocken, PA

Dear Harry,

Certainly there is! The simplest way I can think of would be to imagine Jesus physically present. If He were in bodily form in the room with you, would you listen to this music, watch that TV show, read this book, look at that web site or read that magazine? Would you take Jesus with you to that concert, play, comedy club or bar? If not then you probably shouldn't be doing it now. Philippians 4:8 is a perfect time to use the bumper-sticker-analogy "WWJD?" (What Would Jesus Do?) Simply put, if Jesus wouldn't do it, watch it, listen to it, read it, go there, etc. ... then why would a Christ-follower want to?