"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
Regardless of who I worked for or what the training was, the company paying for the training expected me to apply my new knowledge immediately. Over time, if the new skill is not used, our memory fades, and rather than using what we've freshly learned, we resort to old practices. For example, if I learned something new about scheduling and balancing resource times for projects and delayed putting that into practice, I would likely have some burnt-out and unhappy people on the team. However, putting knowledge into practice immediately helps bridge the gap between knowing and doing, which is where true growth and impact happen.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi from prison in Rome, reminding them of his time with them. In the letter's closing, he begins, "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).
When we fill our minds with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, we align our thoughts with God's heart and His will. By internalizing these things and intentionally putting them into practice—how we speak, act, and interact with others—we create space for God's peace to dwell in us. This peace isn't fleeting or circumstantial but a steadfast assurance anchoring us amid life's chaos. As we take what we've learned and live it out, we experience His peace and reflect His light to those around us.
Paul's encouragement to the Philippians reminds us that God's peace is not passively received but actively experienced through our daily choices. True transformation happens when we move from hearing to doing, and as we practice these things, God's peace becomes our constant companion, grounding us in every circumstance.
Gracious Father, thank You for the wisdom and guidance You have given us through Your Word. Help us to internalize what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Strengthen us to put these things into practice daily so that we may experience Your true peace and share it with others. May our thoughts and actions reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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