Whatever Things Are True

As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he gives some oft repeated advice.

"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." (Philippians 4:8) 

This is a great verse for determining what to watch, read or listen to in our present culture. But that advice can go beyond our entertainment values to our thinking about our writing careers. Most writers I know have an internal dialogue that goes something like this:

My manuscript stinks. I'm never going to get published. I should give up now. 

But that kind of thinking clearly doesn't match up to the Philippians 4:8 test. First those things are not true nor pure nor lovely. As you think about your writing, ask God to help you think only true thoughts. Instead of thinking my manuscript stinks and beating yourself up over it, try my manuscript needs some editing before I send it to the editor. 

Today, commit to stop listening to Satan's lies and ask God to help you think about your writing truthfully. To focus on what is pure, what is lovely. That manuscript might just be worth saving after all.