Paul begins by thanking the Philippians for the gift of financial support they have sent to him by way of Epaphroditus. But no sooner does he say “thank you”, then he goes darting off in another direction.

“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.”

There is a structure here to what could easily be read as just a random collection of affirmations and exhortations – tell Euodia and Syntyche to get along, rejoice, don’t be anxious, and so forth.

Who have been those Christian mentors, models, and guides in your life? Who brought you closer to Christ, showed you how to think and live like a Christian, and encouraged you in the living of that life?

Our passage can be seen as a summary of sorts regarding pretty much everything Paul has said in his letter thus far.

Paul didn’t just throw away all the bad stuff – like in the standard Christian testimonial where the speaker talks about leaving behind the drugs, the crime, and other bits of a rather wild lifestyle.