Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy——meditate on these things.”
Our minds are incredible as we have the ability to think! We can be creative and constructive in our thoughts. We can dream and come up with new ideas. We can imagine and invent. We can think through problems and solve complex issues. Maybe someone has said to you, “How did you think of that.”
While our minds can be constructive our minds can be destructive. Our thoughts can be corrupt, twisted, and yes, evil. The first time we come across the word “thought” in the Bible is in Genesis 6:5 and it is not good. Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
Both good and bad actions follow thinking. Has anyone asked you lately what were you thinking after some action you took?
Since our thinking is so crucial to how we live the Apostle Paul teaches us what to think on. Notice his 8 proactive words with some words to help enhance the meaning of his words. The idea now of these 8 words is to put your “thinking” through this filter so that you have good thinking.
We are to be thinking on things that are TRUE. (Factual, Correct, Right, Honest)
We are to be thinking on things that are NOBLE. (Honorable, Decent, Upright)
We are to be thinking on things that are JUST. (Fair, Impartial, Appropriate)
We are to be thinking on things that are PURE. (Authentic, Wholesome, Clean)
We are to be thinking on things that are LOVELY. (Pleasant, Delightful, Winsome)
We are to be thinking on things that are of a GOOD REPORT, (Beneficial, Decent)
We are to be thinking on things that are VIRTUOUS, (Righteous, Worthy, Excellent)
We are to be thinking on things that are PRAISEWORTHY. (Commendable, Admirable)
As you reflect on your thinking you also might ask these questions about your thinking:
Are you thinking on things that are FALSE?
Are you thinking on things that are DEBASED?
Are you thinking on things that are CORRUPT?
Are you thinking on things that are UNCLEAN?
Are you thinking on things that are UGLY?
Are you thinking on things that are of a BAD REPORT?
Are you thinking on things that are IMPURE?
Are you thinking on things that are WORTHLESS?
How is you thinking? How does your “thinking” need to change? A good verse to go with Philippians 4:8 as a filter for your thinking is Psalm 19:14. It says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Continue Strong with Right Thinking
And remember to DATE the Word
Bonus: In the 4th month of the year, April, we are extending what we are calling a 4 x 4 challenge and encouraging you to read a chapter 4. For April 8 we challenge you to read Psalm 4