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. (Phil 4:8)
Many of you will have heard of the recent death of the Christian author John Stott. Perhaps you have read some of his many books. He has written many helpful commentaries, books on ethics, and many helpful essays on various topics. There is no doubt that much of his writings have been and will continue to serve as a great help to Christians seeking to understand God’s Word.
But perhaps there is one book you are not familiar with, because at first glance it does not seem to be a book on theology, biblical interpretation or life application. It is a bird about bird-watching.
John Stott was an avid bird-watcher. But this is nonetheless a bird-book with a difference. This book about what he’s learned from birds about the Christian life. In it he describes what he’s learned about the Christian life in the Bible but which he has seen illustrated in the life of birds.
In the introduction to the book, he whimsically calls it “ornitheology”—not ornithology (or, the study of birds). By calling it ornitheology he is speaking of ‘learning about God from the study of birds’.
What’s he doing? He’s doing exactly what Paul is commending in Phil 4:8 – focusing his mind on that which is true and lovely, and commendable and honourable – not only in God’s Word, but everywhere. This is what we need to do in every area of life.
The young person faced with the tendency to think of themselves in terms of how others might see them (Am I prettier? Am I dressed well enough, better? Am I more popular?) begins to ask ‘What do I want my heavenly Father to see?’ and then meditates on what is true and noble, just and pure, lovely… praiseworthy.
A businessman in dealing with humanity often at its most unpleasant face of greed – how does he avoid its corrosive influence on his life as it wears and wearies his soul, and how he deals with people? How do you battle that unless you settle your affections on the things that really matter, what is true and honourable, and just and pure, and lovely … praiseworthy?
God calls us to the cultivation of godly desires and affections by pointing our desires to that which is true and right and good. In so doing you will desire and enjoy something far better than what was being offered to you from the world and sinful nature.