“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.” (New Testament | Philippians 4:8)
The verb choice at the end is most curious to me. Why would Paul say to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, or virtuous? Why not be those values, not just think on them?
My conclusion (thus far) is this. “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” This is not a canonized scriptural phrase, but is certainly a true piece of ancient wisdom. If you choose to think and dwell on something, you will lean toward following that.
We live in a world with such gloom and bad news being reported. The evil one would have us believe that this is just the way things are. If he could, he would beat down our subconsciousness so that we forgot all else. It would be wise to actively seek to be with people or participate in activities that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, or praise worthy.
Start by thinking about these things.
Soon you will be doing them in your own life.
And eventually, you will become those virtues.