In Philippians chapter 4, Paul instructs us to think about all things that are good:

“Finally, brothers, 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.” Philippians 4:8

Paul wrote this letter to the people in Philippi while he was in prison, and he mentioned that he was “in perfect peace,” a peace beyond natural understanding.

Despite facing dire circumstances and potential death, Paul fearlessly sang with his innermost being, declaring, “It is well with my soul.” He encouraged the church at Philippi to follow the example of Christ by trusting God’s sovereignty in all things and focusing on anything that is excellent or praiseworthy. Paul’s instruction was to intentionally occupy your mind with good.

Paul wasn’t merely suggesting to think about good things for the sake of remaining happy; he was aware of his dire circumstances. He emphasized the importance of thinking about good things, because he understood who God is and what governs His Kingdom. Paul urged believers to embrace the state of mind before the fall when all things were good, and the knowledge of good in relation to evil had not yet entered creation.

In his vulnerable position, the Holy Spirit fueled Paul’s thoughts, strengthening his knowledge of who God is and the eternal glory that awaited him by contemplating all things true, noble, right, and pure. God embodies many virtues; He is absolute virtue.

The difference between Jesus and the Holy Spirit can be compared to the difference between righteousness and uprightness. Righteousness emphasizes the moral person, while uprightness emphasizes morality (virtue) apart from the person. Paul knew God and Christ.

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

In the Kingdom of Heaven, love, justice, mercy, and righteousness exist apart from the actions of an embodied person and govern life. They are not merely words. We live willfully subjected to them and they animate all of life. While Jesus was on earth, He was the perfect embodiment of virtue, providing a glimpse of “I am.” Apart from Christ and the Holy Spirit, we can only create a cheap imitation of virtue on earth, but in heaven, absolute virtue reigns, proceeding from God and Jesus, sustaining all of life. What we strive to attain and perfect here will be fulfilled there.

Paul had a holy discontentment to press forward for the purpose of hearing “well done, my good and faithful servant,” and so that others might see through his suffering the freedom that awaits—a life without pain, mourning, or tears. Like Jesus, Paul gives others hope through temporal sufferings for the glorious future where virtue Himself reigns.

This is the call of every believer: to know and love God and Jesus through the Holy Spirit. We know them when we understand and think about their goodness until the knowledge of who they are completely consumes us, causing us to press forward in holy discontentment to obtain Heaven on earth (peace regardless of circumstance).

“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-13