Think On These Things

"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)

As a young Christian I heard a fantastic message on this scripture and now, more than 35 years later, I still try to apply its principles.

Our thought life is crucial to our walk with Jesus. There are many scriptures that address this: "For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is." (Proverbs 23:7) "...bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5) "My thoughts are not your thoughts, says the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8)

There are others, but the point is this: the thoughts that we entertain matter...a lot! I believe this is because, although our spirit is sealed in the Holy Spirit, our mind is very susceptible and vulnerable to the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16). This is where he can defeat us.

But what a wonderful tool our Father has given us! He instructs us on how to focus our thoughts so as to be pleasing to Him. His instructions establish the way in which we should walk, resulting in a journey of faith and victory.

Philippians 4:8 is tucked away in a chapter where the Apostle Paul is exhorting the Believers in the Church at Philippi to be strong in the Lord, not wavering, but pressing forward. I love the way Max Lucado's Inspirational Study Bible reads:

"Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:5-9)

Amen? Amen.

Think on these things.

Father, what a wonderful message you have given us. Now, if we can just get our flesh to line up with our spirit's desire to please You and walk in Your ways. That's the hard part. It's so much easier to have a pity party!! But, Lord, You promise that nothing is too difficult for You. So, I am asking that You make this scripture a reality in our lives. That as soon as we start having negative thoughts You will cause Philippians 4:8 to pop in our heads and then give us the courage to act on it. Lord, Your ways are perfect. Thank You for teaching us how to defeat our enemy. You are wonderful, Lord.