Active Theology

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9, NASB)

If you Google search, “average time spent on phone”, you will get various answers. The responses range from 4 to 7 hours (Gen Z being at the top of the range with the number growing larger year after year). These statistics are always convicting to me and cause me to rethink my technology habits. 

The Screen Time feature is one of my least favorite, but necessary, tools on my iPhone. Full transparency – at this moment I’m sitting at 3hr 42m a day for my weekly average. Yes, some of that screen time has consisted of reading Scripture and articles that draw my attention toward God, but let’s be honest here – most of my time lately is spent watching cycling videos and thumbing through Marketplace in search of something I’m not going to buy. 

When I read verses like Philippians 4:8 I feel the juxtaposition of phone time vs. keeping my mind on the things of God. 

The Apostle Paul encourages us to think about things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, anything excellent and worthy of praise. 

In his commentary on Philippians, J.A. Motyer says, “…a mind drilled in the things of which God approves is the steadiest way into practical holiness.” 

We are constantly shaped by the things we feed into our hearts and minds. We can’t escape the action of being formed.

• True (alēthē) things are the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things.
• Honorable refers to what is dignified and worthy of respect.
• Right refers to conformity to God’s standards.
• Pure (hagna) refers to what is wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity. 
• Lovely (prosphilē) speaks of what promotes peace rather than conflict. 
• Commendable (euphēma) relates to what is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive.

These six objects of thought are then described as excellent (aretē) and praiseworthy (epainos).¹

How does this list stand against your screen time? Your thoughts? Your habits? 

Where do you go for satisfaction? What do you often think about right before you go to sleep? 

How can you organize your day to give attention to these things? 

We are shaped by what we surround ourselves with and what we give attention to. This week we can win back our time, give our thoughts over to these things, and, in the pursuit of Christlikeness, dwell on what is excellent and praiseworthy.

Pray: God, I know that my attention wanes. Help me to redirect my mind to dwell on You and things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and commendable. As I do this, I pray that You grow me in holiness and living out my faith. Amen.

Song: “Think of These Things” by Psallos

1. Based on Robert P. Lightner’s commentary, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

Craig is a worship pastor at Wallula Christian Church and the creator of Active Theology. He loves coffee dates with his wife, reading, and riding his bike. A few of his favorite things are third wave coffee, vanilla ice cream, and plain t-shirts.