Most of us when we think of lovely, usually equate it with some form of beauty. The dictionary would agree:
lovely |ˈləvlē|
adjective (lovelier, loveliest)
exquisitely beautiful
But in the bible it’s a little different than our traditional thinking. The word “lovely” in Greek is a little more complex than most. It only occurs once in the New Testament and it’s composed of two words that basically mean “forward in direction” and “to be a friend to”.
So how in the world does that to media choices?
If we are going to be consistent with the previous analysis of words in Philippians 4:8 it does not mean pleasing your friend by going out to the movies with them. (See links below for related blogs).
What does it mean to go forward in direction in the Christian walk? Paul sums it up well.
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:7–14 KJV)
Once Jesus is in your sites, why look back? From the time a person meets Christ and see what He has to offer, it’s time to start looking forward. We look forward to a new life, a new home, new choices.
We are to walk with Him, to have His mind. His mind reforms our choices, our habits, our desires.
Being a Christian means putting Christ first. Not because of obligation, but because of love. He becomes our ultimate friend. And how would you treat your friend? By doing those things which please them. Including avoiding poor media choices. But it will not be a burden because of the love for your Friend!
There are no two ways about it, we cannot serve our own selfish choices, this will put us in a serious predicament. The bible states:
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
(James 4:4)
But who else are you friends with? The bible says we have neighbors. What is our duty to them? It’s not to compromise our beliefs, so that we can please our earthly friends. Rather it’s to be a light and example to them. We can show how much we care for our fellowman by not compromising our beliefs.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:16 KJV)
So what does it mean that we are to think on things that are lovely? It means we are to think on those things which will draw us to Christ and draw others to Him. And that’s a beautiful thing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
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