Right thinking
Right thinking
Philippians 4:8 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.
Life in this world
Our lives are surrounded with ungodliness and demands that often bleed away our thoughts until we are worn out and weakened. The enemy attacks our minds and thinking; we are encompassed with numerous trials and tests, sorrows, disappointments, situations that bring pain and unrest to our lives. Our peace is literally driven away from us, our sleep and rest become consumed with thoughts on these things and it seems we get battered right and left, one after another with circumstances that require us to be more Christian than we really feel like being. Isaiah tells us that God will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him (Isa 26:3). Isaiah tells us that our trust must be upon God. Paul gives us a remedy of peace and tranquility in the midst of these things by using our thinking in the proper avenues.
Empowering thinking
Whatsoever things are true -- Jesus is Truth (Jn 14:6), yet in situations that take away our peace of mind and strength, lies of falsehoods bring us defeat and discouragement. We may think upon the lostness of loved ones and their ungodliness, but the truth is God knows, sees, and hears our prayers for them. Not only does He see and hear, He is acting and working even though we do not see it. The word is truth (Jn 17:17) and hiding that word in our hearts brings us closer to God. When we think (continually) on falsehoods we can become cynical and unchristian in our actions.
Honest – venerable, honorable, reverend. In 1 Tim 3:8 Paul speaks of leaders being grave carrying the idea of being serious minded and not giddy. He is not disallowing relaxing conversation or good times with family and friends ((Prov 15:13; Prov 15:15; Prov 17:22), but the idea of taking life, especially spiritual matters, seriously and not making light of its importance.
Just – righteous, just, and suitable. It carries the idea of one who observes divine law and is virtuous (Tit 1:8; Act 10:22). In talking of thinking in this area, we are to focus on the positive of a person or situation. Not the negative.
Pure – exciting reverence, venerable, free from carnality, chaste. Our minds are bombarded daily with and by immorality and carnal attractions. If we focus on these we will find ourselves slipping in our walk with the Lord. We need to focus on purity.
Lovely – acceptable, pleasing, beautiful. We are to focus on the beautiful things in life not the ugliness of sin.
Good report – good news. (Prov 25:25). We can get really depressed when we think on the bad news. The good news is God is still God and He is coming for us one day. He has built a home for us and we will live and reign with Him.
Paul ends with if there be any virtue (moral goodness, purity) or praise, think on these things. God is worthy of all our praise and if we think properly, we will praise Him far more than we presently do.
Paul ends with doing as we have been taught by word or example and the God of peace will be with us.