“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ Philippians 4:8.
The mind is a very strange thing, it is always active. Should it not be active then you are dead. When awake, you think. Sleeping, you dream. Your mind is always active monitoring your body functions and thoughts. So what is it that you think about?
“For as a person thinks in their heart, so is that person’. Proverbs 23:7.
So let’s move forward to what we are to think about.
I just told Denise my wife what I was writing about and she shouted out ‘Good Things!’
- Whatever is True: This is very profound. We are to think about what we know to be true. Not rumors, not gossip, not lies from Satan but what is true. Jesus “IS’ the truth. Think about Him, think about how much God loves you. Think about God’s will for your life. Think about how you may help others. On and on I could go. It is true that some people really care about you. It is true that Jesus will cleanse us from our sins and live in our lives. It is true there is a Heaven. Glory! Think about whatever is true. In John, chapter 4, we find that we are to worship God in Spirit and Truth.
- Whatever is Honest: Let your mind be always trusting and honest. Don’t try to deceive, don’t even daydream of evil. Think of the unfailing promises of God. Think of the honest things the Bible tells us about. Be Honest! Think of the good in others.
- Whatever is Just: Our minds are not to seek to even consider anything but the ‘best’ for others. Should someone deserve judgment, then leave it to God and get on with doing good. Treat everyone with love and equality. No matter what color or language or nationality or religion. Justice knows no color or creed.
- Whatever is Pure: Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Seek to have a pure motive and pure intent. God sees the heart. Jesus can take the vilest heart and make it pure before the Father. Think of pure things. Magazines, TV, movies, books and gossip are filled with impure things. It is easy for the mind to be drawn away to impure thoughts. I am talking about things like pride, greed, aggression, achievements and such. Let pure, good and Godly things fill your mind. Think Godly thoughts. Think about Jesus.
- Whatever is lovely: Oh what a beautiful world! The cloud formations each day fill the sky. Awesome flowers bloom.The ocean is alive with stunning fish. The earth is alive with animals, plants and people and beauty is abundant everywhere you look. Even war, flowers bloom! God wants us to see the beauty and to think on the lovely. This does not mean there is no evil. It does mean that we are to fill our minds with good and lovely things. Some people get addicted to speaking and thinking evil things. It is truly wonderful to be around people who have lovely minds who think and talk about lovely things.
- Whatever is of good report: Don’t get drawn into ‘bad news addiction’. Seeing everything in the negative. Some people only speak of the bad. When you are around them it is one bad news story after another about people and the world. Think on good news. The world is full of good and thrilling reports. Think about these things. The Kingdom of God is in the world today. Jesus IS Lord now! Millions are being saved every year around the world. People are loving, caring for the poor, the suffering, the needy and the troubled. Think on these things! Jesus died for our sins and arose and ascended to the Father. The Holy Spirit is gloriously at work in the world today. Think on good reports, speak of the good reports.
If there be any Virtue and any Praise Think on these things! Let your mind be a beautiful place! A Godly place!
