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The Super Profound Secret to Getting More Done

Philippians 4:8–9

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

The Setup

In the interest of being forthright, the title of this segment is not altogether truthful. The information I’m about to share is not super profound, and it’s not even really about getting more done. But if I had titled it what it’s really about (Keep Doing Stuff, Have Peace), you probably wouldn’t be reading it. Well, I’ve gotten you in this far. Might as well keep reading now …

What Went Down

Paul gives us the kind of advice that usually only old people can pull off. You know the type of advice I’m talking about: incredibly wise and simple, unencumbered by daily grind stuff like mortgage payments or socks left on the stairs. He simply tells us to dwell on the good and do what we know is right.

The Takeaway

Now hold on. Before we discount this or just move on to the next amazing insight into the Scriptures found throughout this fine literary work, let’s just pause for a moment and actually think about these simple words.

I think it’s their simplicity that throws us off. We all want a technical solution for the troubles of the world, or at least we think we do. According to my quick Google search, Americans spend over $10 billion per year on the self-help industry. Have you ever listened to a motivational speaker? None of them tells you anything complicated. You know why? Details cloud the dream. Paul knew this. Motivational speakers say things like “Seize the dream you know is out there!” or “Own the reality you want to become!” or “I asked for a CARAMEL macchiato!” (That last one is them yelling at their personal assistant.)

Here, Paul is telling the Philippians that there is good in the world. Think about that stuff, the good stuff; stay positive. We don’t have to make it complicated.

I’m not saying there isn’t a place for SMART goals or detailed plans. But when it comes to your spirituality and those moments throughout the day when it’s just you alone in the vast universe of existence and there’s a choice before you to dwell on how something isn’t fair or how the world sucks or what you ought to say to that coworker next time he leaves the little plastic peel-off membrane from his yogurt on the counter — simply dwell on the lovely and gracious.

It’s not rocket science.

There, I just saved you the $2,500 you were going to drop at that Tony Robbins seminar you were thinking about attending. Why don’t you use just a fraction of that and buy a few more copies of this book to give to friends and family? And get me a CARAMEL macchiato!