Philippians 4:8

“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 NIV)

Thirty simple words. Easy to read, easy for the eye to glance over. But within those thirty words is compressed the eight-quality measuring stick of fiction.

Why do I believe so firmly that this verse applies to fiction? Because what we place in our hearts we think about, and what we think about embeds itself in our hearts over and over until it comes out in word and deed. So stories, which slip past our normal defenses and lodge in our hearts, also get caught up in this cycle until they impact our lives.

So not only do I believe that Philippians 4:8 applies to fiction—I also believe it’s the clearest, most detailed verse in Scripture illuminating what kind of stories we ought to fill our hearts and minds with. Therefore, in the coming weeks, I plan to unpack this verse word by word.

Let’s just hope we can dig our way out again when we’re through.

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder