Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Looking for God’s Beauty
“…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Like a lot of people, I have ringing in my ears. The only way to manage it is to not think about it, and the only way to not think about it is to think about something else. (How is that for profound wisdom?)
There are a lot of distracting noises in our world, and many contradictions. The Bible is the only book I know that can honesty help us to find the truth and rediscover the beauty that is often lost in a world of confusion.
When I started Divinity School, a wonderful Pentecostal preacher friend gave me the best advice that I have used throughout my years of ministry. He said, “You will learn so many things, just remember that it is like eating fish. Keep the meat and throw away the bones.”
We can choose a good bit of what we see and hear, and what we choose has an important bearing on our mental outlook. Today’s verse is a call to select those things that contribute to our good, as well as the good of the world.
What do we do with the gossip and negative things that come our way like propaganda leaflets falling from the sky? I remember hearing Billy Graham say, “You cannot help the birds that fly over your head, but you don’t have to let them build a nest in your hair.” Now, that is good stuff.
How long has it been since you sang this hymn?
“Look for the beautiful, look for the true;
Look for the beautiful, life’s journey through.
Seeking true loveliness, joy you will know,
As to the home above onward you go.
Think of the beautiful, think of the pure.
Only the beautiful long can endure.
God to His lowly ones “giveth more grace
None but the pure in heart look on His face.”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
Link to YouTube Video – Look for the Beautiful
