March 24, 2018

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

Think about what you think about!

Think about how you think about it!

In these last two verses of this powerful portion of Scripture Paul urges you to do three things to make sure you think clearly:

1) Clarify

2) Verify

3) Glorify

We looked at the first one in the previous post.

When faced with a stressful situation and you feel anxious take a moment to clarify your thinking so you can make logical decisions. Work through the feelings and emotions and sort out the facts of your situation. Find out what God's word says and what His will is!

"Whatsoever things are:"

"TRUE" - This means "fact-based" - "Bible-based" - "Connected to reality not feelings"

Anything that isn't true by this standard - don't think on it. Don't let it occupy your mind.

"NOBLE" - Noble is "spiritually inspiring" "reverent" "dignified"

Anything that isn't noble according to this definition don't set your mind on it.

"RIGHT" - This refers to being grounded in righteousness" "Believing God is right and deciding accordingly"

If it isn't right don't clutter your mind with it!

"PURE" - Things that are "morally or spiritually undefiled"

Don't let your mind dwell on impure things.

"LOVELY" - "Reasonable" "agreeable" "proper attraction"

Keep your mind from being attracted to unlovely things.

"GOOD REPUTE" - Anything that is "scandal free" or "above reproach"

Keep your mind away from scandalous situations or activities.

"EXCELLENCE" - "Moral virtue that is consistent with God's nature"

Strive for excellence in your thinking!

"PRAISEWORTHY" - "Anything God would praise"

If you are convinced that God would praise it and praise you for thinking about it then it is praiseworthy and you should feel good thinking about it!

You are the air-traffic controller for the thoughts that enter your mental airspace. Keep your runway open to these virtues and close it to anything that doesn't measure up to this checklist.

"Think on these things!"