Phil 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Just.
Before I start, just an update on what’s “happening” with me – physically and mentally – in this journey. I’m in day four of (except where mandated by my work responsibilities) no media influence or any other information or input other than that which relates to the Lord. Two nights ago, while the others were watching TV, I went into my room and just sang with my favorite worship songs for over an hour. For the last two mornings, the Lord has woken me up between 6:00 and 6:30 without an alarm clock… in fact, last night I forgot to set my alarm clock. That’s been pretty cool.
Today, however, my mental focus (in non-work times) has been really difficult. My mind is constantly racing – even in my quiet time this morning. I just couldn’t get into the flow of the Word and my time with Him. I was really distracted. This must be what it’s like to have a touch of ADD.
I wonder if I’m honestly having some mental withdrawal symptoms… I understand that those who quit addictions “cold turkey” often have other physical symptoms manifest. I feel a bit like an alcoholic trying to quit drinking while working at a bar…. Our TV is on throughout the day as different kids watch different shows at different times during the day.
However, there is something in me that is stirring within and makes me think that this mire I seem to be spiritually bogged down has an exit point. My soul expectantly draws me forward in that gut-feeling belief that this will end and some level of breakthrough is on the other side. So I expectantly keep trudging. One spiritual foot in front of the other. At this point my steps seem to weigh a thousand pounds, but I keep on. Back to the post….
Just.
I had a hard time with this word – given my lack of focus and clarity this morning – until I started uncovering the meaning of the Greek it’s translated from – dikaios and it’s root dike (pronounced dee-kay). It then becomes fairly obvious that this word deals with how we are toward others. It is the concept of right weights and measures – many other translations translate this word to “right”. Eugene Peterson, who wrote “The Message” bible translates it as “reputable”. All of these have a connotation as to how we are with others.
In Matthew 23:27-30 Jesus uses this word (both occurrences of the word “righteous”) in one of his tirades aimed at the religious leaders of the day:
Matthew 23:27-30 (NKJV)27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’
“… whatever is just… meditate on these things.”
Paul’s building a life filter here. First it was “true” – which pertains to my words. Next it was “noble” – which pertains to my actions; Now we have “just” – which pertains towards others.
It was a good day – in spite of the difficulties. I hope you’re enjoying the posts. If you are leave a comment. Let me know what’s going on in your life.
It’s about 8:00 o’clock. This is where it gets really tough because this is… no, was “TV time.”
I think I’ll go for a run.
…Running After Papa