We had a tradition in our high school that the final assembly of each year would always include the reading of the same passage from the Bible, namely the exhortation of the apostle Paul at the end of his letter to the church in Philippi, where he urges the Philippians to be very intentional in what they allow into their minds:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
I have wondered over the years why this passage in particular was always read. Perhaps our teachers were concerned that teen-aged minds might not be filled with wholesome thoughts during the holidays, given that we would not be exposed to the edifying influence of Maths and English and Afrikaans for the next few weeks …
In any event, it’s an important piece of wisdom from St Paul. Our minds are formed by what we focus on and a conscious turning of the mind toward a good and loving God at the start of each day will give that day a particular shape. Days ultimately determine the shape of a life too, don’t they?
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On a different subject altogether, it’s been wonderful this week to welcome a new member to our WMC office team. Lauren Bhima has joined us in the office following Valda’s retirement. Pop in and meet her if you have a chance or you can mail her at lauren@westvillemethodist.co.za. Welcome Lauren!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
I have wondered over the years why this passage in particular was always read. Perhaps our teachers were concerned that teen-aged minds might not be filled with wholesome thoughts during the holidays, given that we would not be exposed to the edifying influence of Maths and English and Afrikaans for the next few weeks …
In any event, it’s an important piece of wisdom from St Paul. Our minds are formed by what we focus on and a conscious turning of the mind toward a good and loving God at the start of each day will give that day a particular shape. Days ultimately determine the shape of a life too, don’t they?
____
On a different subject altogether, it’s been wonderful this week to welcome a new member to our WMC office team. Lauren Bhima has joined us in the office following Valda’s retirement. Pop in and meet her if you have a chance or you can mail her at lauren@westvillemethodist.co.za. Welcome Lauren!