Whatever Is True

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true.....think about such things." Philippians 4:8 

I was really amazed when I looked into the word  here for "true". It is a word that means truth, but it also means genuine, integrity, sincere, upright, true in character, honest. Maybe it is just me, but I always looked at this verse in the light that we should keep our minds on truth, as in keeping it on God's Word. I never really saw it in the light of my own behavior....being genuine, true in character, honest.

This same word is used as Paul describes his hardships in 2 Corinthians 6. He says that after all they went through, they were genuine, yet regarded as impostors. Mark 12:14 uses the same Greek word to talk about the integrity of Jesus. Acts 12:9 uses the word to describe how Peter wasn't sure what was "really happening" when the angel led him out of prison. I John 2:8 speaks of Jesus being the true light that is already shining.

I think today, I am seeing how believing truth and being true melt together. We are what we believe, right? Do we value truth in our lives. Do we want to believe truth? Do we want to live a life that is genuine and real? Where does that show up?

For the kids: How does this play out as a mom? Are we raising our kids to be impressive or to be real? Is our motivation to help them gain approval in the eyes of others? Or to be honest with themselves, with God, and with others? Where does our motivation lie in correcting their behavior? Is it the need for them to develop genuine character? or is it because they are embarrassing us? 

I'm certainly no expert, but a wiser parent encouraged me long ago to differentiate between "public appearances" and " training times" with my kids. I've learned not to feel accountable to whatever standards those around me may have for my children, and be okay sticking with what we are working on at home. I've gotten more comfortable taking my children by the hand, looking them in the eye, and correcting behavior - but not feeling like I have to win a war in front of others just to prove who is the boss. Does that make sense?  I've been humbled many times into accepting that I can't expect behavior from my kids in public to show values I'm not teaching at home. Correcting them for those things in public, to make myself look like a good parent, is not only foolish....but doesn't teach my children about genuine, true character.

What about you?