welcome April 28, 2003 Issue

'Whatsoever things . . . '

Steve Graham

LONG AGO , when the world seemed fearsome and dangerous, a man traveled abroad tirelessly, telling people that there was a way of hope to be found—that there were answers to their illnesses and anger and insecurity.

When this man, St. Paul, wrote a letter from Rome to people in the Macedonian city of Philippi, he framed his message in terms of the power that comes from taking control of one's own thinking. "Finally, brethren," he told the Philippians, "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" (Phil. 4:8). Having seen his own life transformed from violent to peaceful, and having become a successful Christian healer, Paul certainly did practice what he preached.

Today, existence still seems often fearsome and dangerous. And whether it's the threat of SARS or terrorism or poverty, Paul's counsel to "think on" the things of God—the things we all want to see more of in our lives—means more than going through some mysterious mental exercise. It marks the power of prayer.

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