1 of 1

Key Bible Verse: "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right … pure and lovely and admirable … excellent and worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 31:10-12

One day Corlette said something that really disappointed me. I went out to the back yard to rake leaves. For about 15 minutes I treated myself to a real "pity party," increasingly convinced that I should go back in and let her know how hurt I was.

But then, by God's grace, Philippians 4:8 came to mind. Ha! I thought at first. What's honorable, right, or lovely about the way she's treating me? But the Holy Spirit wouldn't give up. Within a few moments, I grudgingly conceded that Corlette is a good cook. Then I admitted that she keeps a beautiful home, practices wonderful hospitality, and has been very kind and thoughtful toward my family. Then I remembered how much she'd supported me through some difficult times in my work. And didn't she even take up backpacking because she knew I loved it?

Within minutes my attitude was turned upside down and I saw the offensive comment for what it was—a momentary and insignificant flaw in an otherwise wonderful person. I went back inside, but not to confront Corlette about what she'd said. Instead, I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her how glad I was to be married to her.

—Ken Sande in The Peacemaker

My Response: I'll commit to apply Philippians 4:8 thinking to one situation today.

Thought to Apply: If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come.—CHINESE PROVERB

Adapted from The Peacemaker (Baker, 1991, 1997) by permission.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

 1 of 1

share this page

Prayer for the Week

I can cope with external challenges, Lord, if I'm internally aligned with Your will. Help me to think like a true Christian this week.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter (All fields required)    RSS Feed   RSS Help