virtues

Focus. Filter. Execute.

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , ,

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  Philippians 4:8

It begins with desire filtered through the mind. When our heart aligns with God’s character, it is a good place to be. When our aim agrees with the reality of God’s Kingdom, we know heaven’s resources are at our disposal. And when our focus allows Jesus to live HIS life through us, we eagerly execute our willpower with HIM. The outcome is a taste of godliness for all to share.

The apostle Paul lists a few godly values we need to focus our hearts on and learn to practice in our everyday life. He emphasizes whatever circumstances we face, we need to learn to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. The acronym I use is “THE J PPLC” approach. (You may want to create your own).

What if every situation you find yourself in, your mind automatically went through this checklist. And you align your heart with your willpower to habitually respond. Like all good habits, it starts with intentional focus. As we practice each step, our mind becomes wired to immediately respond. Then our willpower is trained to follow.

Let’s take the example of social media.

You are flipping through your influencer list and stop when the emotional words hit a cord in your heart. As you listen and investigate further, you are becoming angry. If not equip to handle emotional issues, you immediately comment with an angry reply. The battle begins. But what if instead you followed Paul’s criteria.

Before jumping to conclusions and immediately responding, you did your homework. First, how would you verify what you heard is actually the truth? Is it all true or only a part of it?

Next, what would be the most honorable outcome of such an event? If this be true, how can I best reply in an honorable fashion?

What would Biblical justice look like? Do I have a few Bible examples I can share? How would Jesus handle such a situation? What would an innocent person with a clean heart see here?

How can love lead here? What would be the loving act to perform? How do I reply with love?

Can anyone be commended for there actions here? What can I acknowledge was properly done? How can I commend them?

Was anything achieved beyond the normal? Can I recognize any excellence in the situation? What can I praise here?

These are only a few questions that come to mind. But they are a starting point to filter your mind with a response that is built on godly virtue. At first, it may take a while to sort through the entire list. But this will allow you to gain control of your emotions and seek a healthy response to choose.

The object is to train your mind to filter your desires and the facts before responding. As this over time becomes a habit, you will learn when to respond immediately and when best to wait. As always, you will lean on Jesus in prayer during the process. HE will also open your heart and mind to questions and concerns you haven’t even knew existed.

The bottom-line is to learn how to filter your desires with godly virtue before taking any action.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version only available at Apple Books

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Bedtime Virtues

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.   1 Peter 1:5-8

How did your day go?

What standard of measurement do you use to determine how your day went?

Or do you just live serendipity and it doesn’t matter?

In my youth, I was introduced to Benjamin Franklin and his end of day evaluation habit. Though not a Christian, he had the habit at the end of each day to review certain virtues. His chosen virtues were areas he considered important in his daily life.

History doesn’t reveal to us the depth of his spiritual relationship with God. But his focus on spiritual formation is one habit that is known. That caught my attention.

Peter writes this letter to us in a similar way. His focus is for faith-keeping Christ-followers to exercise our effort toward certain virtues. The goal of practicing these virtues is to keep us always aware of Jesus being the center of our lives.

Peter starts with the importance of acquiring knowledge. To fill our mind with everything we can about God. From Scripture to creation, everything you can learn about HIM.

Then practicing self-control in all areas of one’s life. Learning to discipline oneself in regards to food, work, relationships, desires, and attitudes. The ability to say NO to the self and follow through.

Being steadfast or unwavering. Stay focus and finish what you start. To follow through on a matter no matter how hard or cost.

Choose to be clothed in godliness. Allow God’s Spirit to influence your heart, mind, and soul. Align yourself with the Creator’s character.

When relating with others, treat them with brotherly affection. Care for them as a family member.

And above all, let love bloom. Be willing to sacrifice for another. Show them the love and grace that God bestows on you.

So, if you want a bedtime checklist to determine how your day went, why not use these verses? There are others you can also include. But when you measure your day as a Christ-follower, you are evaluating the walk with the talk.

The day may have been a physical wreck. You may be dealing with financial challenges. And of course, these you are conversing with your Lord for help. But meanwhile, you need to remind yourself that you are following the steps of your Rabbi. You want to become more and more like HIM. Thus, the day’s priority is to review how you are managing your entire kingdom. The good with the bad.

Bring it all and place it before your Savior and Lord. HE will help you carry it through. HE wants you to become the person you were created to be. It takes two; our effort, and HIS grace. Together you and HIM will make the journey more than worthwhile.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Rules, Principles, or Character

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , , ,

 

 

“…by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness…” 2 Peter 1:4-6 ESV

 

character 2

After you acknowledge Jesus is Lord, what comes next?

The Bible outlines our journey into three phases: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is about Christ’s gift to humanity restoring our relationship with God. Glorification is packaged in the resurrection when our physical body is merged into a glorious state like our Lord’s. Sanctification is the time in between where we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ in preparation for eternity while tasting Kingdom reality now.

Sanctification is the now time. Most disciples of his start this journey first focusing on “the rules found in the Bible.” The problem though soon hits them that life is not black and white. External, fixed rules are like the ABCs of grammar. You need to know them before you can really start communicating with others. But they don’t take you very far.

Then after becoming frustrated with rules, you realize you need greater flexibility. Therefore, you begin to exert more emphasis on living with principles. However, over time you learn that principles are like words. Words better express what you want communicated than just knowing the ABCs. Yet words unless formed into meaningful sentences, only expressed a tiny portion of what you want known. There has to be something better.

Enter character development. When you take sentences and make paragraphs, paragraphs into chapters, and chapters into books, you have developed from the basic ABCs into creating work of art. You add you personality and experiences into the equation and share something you consider of value with others. The same goes with godly character.

When you allow God’s Spirit to enter you and lead you, you begin to set aside the rules and principles for a transformed life of virtue. Virtue is holiness in action. It doesn’t come overnight. It requires walking with our heavenly Triune God in all matters of life. It is the Spirit writing his love into our hearts. He leads us to express mercy and justice from God’s point of reference. It is more than head knowledge. It is eternal wisdom and understanding with godly attributes placed into action. The result is a life that flourishes for all.

So the next time to think life is black and white with rules and principles, think again. Instead, ask the Triune God what would He have you do at a moment like this? You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

We are rooting for you!

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married

Learn. Integrate. Grow.