The closing chapter of Philippians seems to oscillate between extremely specific remarks and some thoughts that are truly general. 

Being separated in time and culture from the first audience, we naturally gravitate towards the grand sweeping statements. Interestingly, the very fact these are abstracted from specific circumstances makes them more (not less) practical. We dwell on the idea of "fixing our thoughts on what is true", and are fascinated by how the "peace of God" relates to the "God of peace".