“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).
Danny BurnleyYears ago, when my children were very young, I was traveling to Georgia with my family to visit our relatives. As we were leaving our house, my mind was on a very negative couple in our church. It seemed that nothing could please them. They didn’t like the new songs that our minister of music had taught us. They didn’t like for us to shake hands with those around us at the time of welcome. They were very displeased when our congregation clapped their hands after some special song. It seemed that they were miserable, and they wanted everyone else to be miserable as well.
My family had traveled some 70 miles nearing the state line, when it dawned upon me that Satan had robbed me of many blessings that morning. Think about it: for 70 miles, I had traveled with my wife Laverne by my side, and my three children – Bryan, Brooks and Sherry – on the back seat without us having any wholesome conversation. For 70 miles, I never noticed the beautiful scenery on our journey, nor did I experience the beautiful, sunshiny morning!
There I was, in the midst of God’s blessings, dwelling on one negative couple and being robbed of this special time in my life. When there were hundreds of other people who were positive, loving and caring, I was thinking on the negative.
As South Carolina Baptists, I realize that there may be some negative things within our convention. However, there are many wonderful things to praise God for. Personally, I am so thankful to be part of such a great convention. I had rather be serving with South Carolina Baptists than anywhere else.
May we look forward to God’s continued blessings. Let’s be excited! “Think on these things.”