We live in an increasingly negative culture in which it’s easy to be dragged down with all the discouraging and depressing events that flood our hearts and overwhelm our minds. However, the Apostle Paul calls us to enjoy God’s peace in the midst of the storm by feeding our minds on an alternative media diet.

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

This is not an argument for unrealistic isolation from the bad news that inevitably fills a fallen world. No, this is a warrant, even a demand, that in our media choices we choose a deliberate imbalance in favor of what is inspirational and wholesome, instead of the current imbalance on the side of what is dispiriting and gross. Paul’s “Food Pyramid” for a healthy media diet contains six main categories:

1. True not False⤒🔗

Avoid listening to lies, misrepresentation, imbalance, and distortion, on both the left and the right of the political spectrum. Beware of journalists who spend most of their time exposing the lies of “the other team.” Instead, seek out the most truthful, balanced, and fair reporting. Feast on truth, wherever it appears and whoever is speaking it. Surround yourself with truth-tellers rather than muck-spreaders.

2. Noble not Base←⤒🔗

The media tend to publicize the vile and sordid side of life. Their reporters and resources are focused on the seedy cesspools of our society. “Don’t do this to yourself!” appealed Paul. Bin the base and nourish the noble in your life. Noble means “majestic, awe-inspiring, worthy, and elevating”: seek out media that elevate the heroic, that inspire awe, and that generate worship.

3. Right not Wrong←⤒🔗

When Paul says we should think about what is “just,” he means what conforms to God’s law and standards – right conduct in all of life. Paul urges us to seek out and celebrate right behavior, courageous actions, hardworking parents, loving fathers, devoted mothers, respectful children, happy families, gentle caregivers, honest employees, fair bosses, etc.

4. Purity not Filth←⤒🔗

When was the last time you saw a film that celebrated Christian marriage or portrayed a normal functioning family? Immorality, abuse, fighting, and murder rule the day. Take the steps to move the spotlight to happy and godly relationships, long and faithful marriages, etc. Rejoice over the many godly young people who do not use porn, who do not dress immodestly, who keep their hearts with all diligence, and who keep themselves pure for marriage.

5. Beautiful not Ugly←⤒🔗

“Whatsoever things are lovely” describes what is attractive and winsome, words and actions that compel admiration and affection. In a day when many of us live among steel and concrete boxes of varying sizes and shapes, it’s often very difficult to locate beauty in our immediate surroundings. We need to get out of the city, see the stunning mountains, savor the fragrance of the forest, taste the thrill of fresh and healthy produce, and listen to the exquisite birdsong. Find ways to increase your intake of beauty through your various senses.

6. Praise not Complaint←⤒🔗

Paul was saying, “Focus on what is constructive rather than destructive.” Feast on what­ever makes people exclaim “Well done!” rather than what makes you and others say, “That’s terrible.” As you drive with your family, do you suggest topics that will show people in a good light or in a bad light? Do you tell stories that will make your hearers praise God and others or in a way that will make people doubt God and condemn others?

As Paul puts it in his summary of these six criteria, “If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (v. 8). This was not just a theory for Paul; he could appeal to their memory of him:

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.Phil. 4:9

He says, if you think like I think and do what I do, you will replace fear, anxiety, depression, and worry with divine peace.