I’ll Think About That

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

What if you challenged yourself to only think and say good things for one entire day. Could you do it? For one 24-hour period could you focus exclusively on things that are true, honest, righteous, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy?

As I wrote those words, I immediately thought, “There goes most news reports, political talk, and social media.” We might also need to tune out some conversations with coworkers, friends, or family members if they tend toward the negative, argumentative, or profane. But having one full day in which we concentrate on only good things sounds wonderful. No negativity, no hurtful gossip, no hateful words or cutting remarks allowed.

Philippians 4:8 is often quoted, but I wonder how often we really take time to “think on [consider, meditate on] these things.” Another question to consider is how much of the music we listen to, the literature we read, and the things we watch would pass the “4:8 test.” If it doesn’t, perhaps it’s time to change some of our media habits. Do we want such things to fill our minds if they aren’t true, honest, righteous, or pure? If they aren’t those things, then they aren’t acceptable, commendable, excellent, or praiseworthy either.

What we fill our mind with matters—a lot. Not only do our thoughts affect our peace of mind, but they also affect our spiritual life. If we aren’t careful, our thoughts can start taking on the mindset of the world. We must not allow that to happen. We should be on guard that the things we allow into our minds do not lead us to sin. Romans 12:2 (NLT) warns, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

Did you read the end of that verse above? It is the Spirit of God inside that will transform us into a new person with a new way of thinking. Our focus will shift. Our desires will shift. As we fill our mind with God’s Word, we will desire to take on His character. We will long to think like Him.

Today, instead of focusing on everything that is wrong with our world, let us focus on everything that’s right with God. Fill your mind with things that are true, honest, just, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. You will feel so much better when you do.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Today, let’s allow the words of Psalm 19:14 to become our prayer. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

(Here are additional scriptures to study: Psalm 139:23, Isaiah 26:3, Romans 8:5-6, Philippians 4:7.)

This week we are looking at some of our most familiar and often quoted scriptures. Take a moment to tell us one of your favorite Bible passages in the Comments area below.