June 28, 2024

Philippians 4:8-9 (HCSB)
8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Nick Corbin
Paul is writing to the Church in Colossae giving them encouragement. As he writes from a prison cell, bound in chains, his mindset is to encourage other believers to think rightly, with a mindset on eternity. Paul was so focused on the Kingdom of God, that he kissed his chains. He of all people had a right to feel frustrated in his circumstance. Instead, He witnessed to every Roman guard he was chained, too. He shows a perfect example of dwelling on the lovely, praiseworthy, and moral excellent things. His attitude from his time in prison is a perfect example of mind over matter. He wouldn’t let his circumstances define him. He praised God no matter what.