Philippians 4: We Believe in Being Honest…

Paul ends his address to the Philippians by urging them to “…stand fast in the Lord…” (Philippians 4:1) He asks them to unite as one, and help each other. He urges them to rejoice in the Lord, and to be in a state of thanksgiving always.

He then gives some really good advice; “…Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true… honest… just…  pure…  lovely… [OR]… of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe on what Paul said, in fact it is part of one of our Articles of Faith (13 short articles declaring what we believe);

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” (Articles of Faith, 13)

In Philippians 4:8, Paul was urging the Saints of the Church (the members) to be good upstanding citizens, not only in the Church, but in their communities. Paul tells them that with Christ, he can do anything, and they can too; “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthened me.” (Philippians 4:13)