Whatever...

(Philippians 4:8) ¶ 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.

The Christian life is journey toward being like Christ - conformed to His image in what we think, say and do.

"All things work together for good..." because God is using them to conform us to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:28-29)

We should count our trials as joy (James 1:2-4) and rejoice in tribulation (Romans 5:3-4) because God is using these things in our lives to make us more like Jesus.

We are not to be conformed to the world around us, but to be transformed by the renewing our our minds for conformity to God's will and work in His service. (Romans 12:2)

There must be a battle raging within us or we are not growing in Christ. To the extent that we are complacent or proud, to that extent we are ungodly. When we are bitter and selfish we are ungodly. When we are unteachable and stubborn we are ungodly. When we are whiny and full of self pity, we are ungodly.

Godliness is on display in patient endurance, gentleness, kindness, and a quiet confidence in God. A godly person shows self control.

To the extent that we are mainly worried about what we feel and what we think and how things affect us and whether we are getting enough praise and recognition... to that extent we are ungodly - carnal - spiritual babies in poopy diapers - in sorry need of greater maturity.

(Philippians 4:8) ¶ 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.