Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

In five verses in Philippians, Paul writes several passages worthy of memorization for motivation, reflection, and sharing. Today's is one such gem.

Much in the secular world has been written about "excellence." We searched for it in a book by Tom Peters, "In Search of Excellence," in which we learned that excellence surpasses product and seeps into the organization as a whole. It became a much-used word in leadership and management. Process management became part of the movement to make the "customer experience" positive from considering going to the business, to entry, and the shopping or service aspect of the experience, to the post experience as well. There were and still are today movements dedicated to the "excellence" notion or philosophy.

In this passage, Paul isn't writing to them about the experience of being part of their church in the same way we are talking today. Paul has been talking about our faith in Christ, our role in being "lights to the world," and his desire to help them attain that unless he's called homeward to be with Christ. Paul shifts to talk about our relationship with Christ and with other Christians. As we worship God/Christ and serve others, we are to think about the positive things to build those relationships around. Paul cites a number of ways to describe the "to be" state using "whatever is right, pure, lovely, admirable...excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

When we anticipate going to be in God's presence, this list of words are great reminders of what our posture is "to be" as we prepare for and enter the sanctuary. Instead of focusing on style of dress, selection of music, length of sermon, and other such areas in our church/worship experience, we remind ourselves that if it doesn't fall into the areas of excellence or praiseworthy, it's probably not worth dwelling on. Neither is it in our service to Christ as we serve others joyfully and gladly.

We pray for the right posture as we worship and serve God, a right heart, and a right attitude.