What we ponder on and allow to germinate in our minds influences how we conduct ourselves outwardly; and in a time marked by so much contention and polarization, only wholesome meditation can be an inspiration for exemplary living. As the hands of feet of Christ, it is our duty to set the right tone as we together contribute to the right development and well-being of our society.
St. Paul challenges us to ponder all that is virtuous in order to crowd out every unworthy thought from our minds: Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8). Our pondering on such matters will lead to good deeds. I can’t guarantee earth-shattering results from those deeds, but we’re called, not so much to success, as faithfulness to Christ, our Exemplar in Faith. Right development is a slow process, not unlike gardening. Besides, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” (Eleanor Roosevelt).
A final thought: the call to exemplary living is not a sign of naivety or that one is a pushover, Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Most people in our society are good, well-intentioned folk, but until all are such we must be scrappy while keeping our intentions true.
David J. Conrad
St. Paul challenges us to ponder all that is virtuous in order to crowd out every unworthy thought from our minds: Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8). Our pondering on such matters will lead to good deeds. I can’t guarantee earth-shattering results from those deeds, but we’re called, not so much to success, as faithfulness to Christ, our Exemplar in Faith. Right development is a slow process, not unlike gardening. Besides, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” (Eleanor Roosevelt).
A final thought: the call to exemplary living is not a sign of naivety or that one is a pushover, Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Most people in our society are good, well-intentioned folk, but until all are such we must be scrappy while keeping our intentions true.
David J. Conrad
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