Philippians 4:8: “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
What we think about determines what we say. I have to ask myself and examine if I am dwelling and spending too much time on frustrating and adverse circumstances, or do I think more about joyful blessings that God has already done for me throughout my day? I’ll be honest. My mind often keeps replaying and recalling upsetting situations. Instead, I need to be watching in anticipation of God working out everything for my good as Romans 8:28 says, rather than dwelling over and over on the apparent roadblocks or feeling hurt and mistreated.
Proverbs 4:23 warns us: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” How that constantly takes diligent work. We need to set boundaries with our thought patterns and keep our focus on the sovereignty and power of God. Zig Ziglar called it not having “stinking thinking.”
Paul gives six thought patterns that are required to be put into practice for us to acquire and maintain a healthy mental focus:
Think about these things:
- Whatever is true – God’s Word is truth. Rejects irrational thinking.
- Whatever is honorable – Personal moral integrity that is dignified and noble.
- Whatever is just – Doing the right thing. Reputable. Pursuing righteousness.
- Whatever is pure – All aspects of moral purity in thoughts and speech.
- Whatever is lovely – Pleasing, agreeable, pure, and beautiful in creation.
- Whatever is commendable – Admirable conduct, gracious – the best, not the worst.
Philippians 4:8 tells us that when we are filling our minds with things that will inspire our worship of God, then praise and thanksgiving will naturally flow. We must take action. Destroy sinful thought patterns that are contrary to the truth found in Christ. It takes discipline. Only then will we be praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We must not stop.
Questions:
Who do you know is a living example you would like to emulate in always thinking and saying right or noble thoughts? What verse will help direct you to obtain this achievement?
The goal of obedience is found in Philippians 4:8-9. How can you be more obedient to God today than you were yesterday?
I read about a missionary named John Hyde, who during a trip in India, had judged a pastor very harshly as being spiritually cold. He confessed his critical spirit and then determined to not focus on his shortcomings of others but to see them as individuals that God loves. “Hyde asked the Lord to show him things that were “of good report” (Philippians 4:8) in the pastor’s life, and he praised God for the man’s virtues. Hyde learned later that during this exact time the pastor’s spiritual life was revitalized.” Our Daily Bread.
Dear Father, Help me to live out your grace, mercy, love, and kindness with who I come into contact today. Show me things that are of good report, right, and noble, in others in times of conflict and disagreement. Fill me with Your words of truth as I continue to work on fighting against having stinking thinking. In Jesus name, Amen.
Listen to Danny Gokey’s YouTube video song “Masterpiece.”