“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.” Philippians 4:8-9
We live in a world bombarding our thoughts through, Social Media, messages, images, and worldviews, that are not compatible with a Biblical worldview and biblical guidelines for godly living. Many of us may know Christians who have begun to think secular, rather than accept biblical thinking. God’s Word instructs us to not to copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2
Let’s unpack verse 8 from Philippians 4: There are six items that are mentioned as guidelines to a wholesome thought life, and each one is introduced with whatever. In the Greek “whatever” is plural, which suggest that several things could be included under each heading. True, things that are of course the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things. Noble, refers to what is dignified and worthy of respect. Titus 2:2; Just, refers to conformity to God’s standards. Pure, refers to what is wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity. Lovely, speaks of what promotes peace rather than conflict . Good Report, relates to what is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive. These six guidelines of thoughts are then described as Excellent and Praiseworthy. We are to then Meditate on these things.
The Greek word translated meditate means “to ponder, consider, value, give proper weight to.” What we put into our mind determines what comes out in words and actions. What we allow to enter our minds and dwell on, takes us on a detour away from the very things God has for our lives.
Prior to, beginning this blog, I was hit with several things that challenged me in what I was going to be writing. I was going through (and still am), health issues. that was seemingly getting the best of me. I told a dear sister, that I had visited the Doctors office more times than I would have liked to. With one thing after another. It became overwhelming for me and I decided to to camp there…I took my eyes off Jesus and started to have a great pity party! How many of you have been there? well , before long it was consuming my every thought.. Soon a few tears dropped, from there I got a plugged up nose…I heard the Holy Spirit speaking to me ever so gently.. “Gwen Not Today…In a soft still voice He said I have more for you. Immediately, I began to speak truth to myself from God’s Word. What was true about the way I was thinking? I can honestly say, what we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind. We live in a world where we are bombarded with worldviews, through television, internet, social media, conversations, movies, magazines and yes..Tick Tok. These things compete with biblical worldviews and biblical guidelines for godly behavior. Even Christians can begin to think secular, rather than seeking biblical thinking.
Let’s begin today by Replacing unwholesome thoughts with wholesome things. Above all, meditate on God’s Word and pray.
Be Encouraged Today!
Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice but it can be done by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit! Amen.
