“Finally Brothers, whatever is false, whatever brings dishonor, whatever is wrong, whatever is dirty, whatever is ugly, whatever is of ill repute, if there is anything sub-standard and if anything is worthy of slander, let your mind dwell on these things.  These things you have learned and received and heard and seen on T.V, the internet, and the news.  Practice these things and the st ress and worry of the world shall be with you”

If you are thinking that the above quote seems familiar but something is just not right and you can’t quite put your finger on it, it’s because I made it up.  To be more precise, it is a scripture reference that I changed to make a point.

Even though it sounds ridiculous, go back and read it again.  If we are honest, we would all have to agree that their are times that we go through our day carrying around that exact mindset. We are constantly bombarded with negative media from every direction.  Everything from the songs we listen to to the conversations we have with others reeks with the foul smell of the world we live in.

I doubt there are many people who would disagree if I tell you that while all of the advancements we have made in communications, technology, travel, industry and every other area of life have made life better in many ways, they have also resulted in the most stressed out, anxious, fearful, and downright mean society the world has every known.

So is there a remedy?  We could turn off the T.V, unplug the computer, turn off our cell phones, shun newspapers and magazines, and only talk about good stuff with each other.  I’m guessing that would last about a half a day.  We could lobby congress to force the news networks to only report happy, uplifting news.  We could get a Federal team together to police the internet so that if any said anything that hurt anyone’s feelings  they could shut them down.  We could make sure that everyone only said what was politically correct and if they didn’t, they would be made out to be a villain.  Oh, wait….we already do that one.

No, none of those things would work.  Let me tell you what does work.  This technique is proven by experience and by science.  Are you ready?  I am about to share with you the “Secret”  that is plainly laid out for anyone who cares to know.

“Finally Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.  These things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.  Practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you.”  Phil 4:8-9

So, if you need some peace in your life, need to have the storms calmed, need to chase away the fear and worry, then take Paul’s advice.  Will it instantly make your life easy?  Nope.  Will all of your troubles go away?  Not likely.  Will you be better able to deal with things as they come your way?  Absolutely.

A few last tips.  Surround yourself with people who are excited about life and what they do.  Do everything you can to become that type of person as well.  If you are thinking to yourself “I don’t know anybody like that and besides that is not even possible” , then give me a call because we have a lot to talk about
Photo by dhammza.