Heads or Tails

"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 NIV)

This verse makes me smile - to think about and praise God for all His gifts. A reminder to focus on the good things that He has provided - look through the clouds and see the sun.

While this scripture is clear on its face (let's call it "heads"), it also has another message. While God wants me to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy, He is reminding me there are two sides to this "excellence and praiseworthy" coin. 

The other side, the "tails" side of the coin, contains those things that are NOT true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, NOT excellent or praiseworthy.

In the church I attend, we say that "Excellence honors God and inspires people." The staff and volunteers strive for excellence - they push for what is good, and correct what is not.

As a Christ follower, I have asked the God of all creation to dwell within my heart through His son Jesus Christ.  Since Jesus Christ himself was the true definition of Excellence, then how can anything contrary be my focus? Since my heart is now full, there is no room for that which is not excellent or praiseworthy.  

Each day, I choose to look through the clouds and see the sun, I will focus on what is pure and lovely, not that which is unpure or ugly. As I navigate life's numerous coin tosses, I will always choose Heads.