In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul writes about things that are dignified, just, pure and winsome. Someone called me winsome and I didn't know whether to say thanks or start a fight. After all, the dictionary defines winsome as charming and gay. Manly men from West Virginia are not winsome. I digress.

Paul is telling those folks in Philippi to worship and believe only that which is trustworthy, just and correct. In other words, whatever we choose above all others is our model, paradigm, example and absolutely our God. Caution: this god/God we choose cannot replace that which is true, pure, dignified and winsome.

Some movie stars, sports figures, political charmers are almost spoken of in hushed voices. They are revered. People hang on to their every word. Some will pay a small fortune for a piece of their clothing, a lock of hair, any memorabilia that can be authenticated. These precious items will be placed on the mantel, in a safe, deposit box or even a room that resembles a shrine. About 30 or so years ago, I was invited to visit Memphis, Tennessee, to be interviewed for a possible pastorate and get a free dinner. The search committee drove me around town and stopped in front of a theater, which housed a rather large statue of Elvis Presley. They smiled and asked, "What do you think of Elvis?"

I wanted to say, "Couldn't sing his way out of a paper bag if there were a hole at both ends."

I held my tongue and said, "I like the Beach Boys and Doo Wop."

The rest of the day was rather hazy, but I not only missed out on the dinner, I found myself on the evening plane. Go figure.

Let's get serious. I have a god in my pocket. It can comfort me. I can trust in this god. With this god, I can buy power, security, pleasure, attention, status and whatever my heart desires. If I want it, this god will get it for me. This god can be hidden and protected. It is omnipotent. It can change its shape. It can become a check, charge plate, cash, bond, note certificate, and if stolen or lost while on vacation, can be replaced. Don't be deceived. Whatever guides and directs our lives is ultimately that supreme power to whom we give our complete trust and loyalty.

Paul's letter was written to his first congregation and he loved them and they loved him. There is no other Pauline letter that expresses such feelings when he writes, "I hold you in my heart." This congregation was surrounded by a hostile pagan world and there is no question in my mind that these folks had asked Paul how could they survive as Christians. After all, the pagan world was so attractive, colorful, fun and exciting with few morals and too few restrictions.

Their questions might just as well be our questions.

"Is there a difference between what we profess on any given Sunday and what we profess Monday through Saturday? What about public and private behavior?"

Be patient with me now.

"How about church affiliation and political affiliation? Aren't many of our beliefs and practices out of date, archaic, old fashioned, overly controlling and too mysterious for the modern mind? What do you say to us today, Paul?"

Here is the purpose of this letter, a love letter, a letter that understands the conflict, the decision-making process, the sheer weight of trying to live a life dedicated to the true God.

There are quite a few cars with an interesting acronym on their bumpers, "WWJD?" Translated, "What would Jesus do?" I asked and was told, "I don't have the slightest idea of what Jesus would do because He never addressed many of today's issues. They simply did not exist in His day and time. I guess I'll just do what feels good or what my friends do ... or my heroes or role models tell me to do."

Paul's answer, "Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and join in imitating me."

Paul is saying, "Be a thinking Christian who always keeps Jesus Christ foremost in every moment of life!"

What governs our choices? Whatever we have learned and received, heard and seen, accepted and believed in Jesus, do! Is it honorable? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it excellent? Is it worthy? Then choose, and the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks, God!