Things to think about!
“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.” (Phil. 4:8 NIV)
You are what you think about
The Bible says that we are what we think about (Prov. 23:7). And, that we talk about what we think about (Luke 6:45). That is probably why we are told to think about good things!
We need to continuously put good things into our minds if we want good things to come out!
8 good things to think about
There are eight things in the above passage you are told to think about. I have included some definitions and/or synonyms to add clarity.
True – correct, accurate, faithful.
Noble – righteous, virtuous, good, honorable, upright, decent, worthy, moral, ethical, reputable.
Right – just, fair, proper, upright, lawful, legal.
Pure – unadulterated, uncontaminated, unmixed, undiluted, flawless, perfect, genuine, real.
Lovely – beautiful, pretty, attractive, good-looking, appealing, handsome, adorable, exquisite.
Admirable – commendable, praiseworthy, laudable, estimable, meritorious, creditable, exemplary, honorable, worthy, deserving, respectable, worthwhile, good, sterling, fine, masterly, great.
Excellent – extremely good, outstanding, superb, exceptional, marvelous, wonderful, magnificent, preeminent, perfect, matchless, unbeatable, peerless, supreme, prime, first-rate.
Praiseworthy – worthy of praise, admirable, laudable, meritorious, estimable, exemplary.
Guard your heart!
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23 NIV)
Many today are unfortunately filling their minds with just the opposite through what they watch on television, online, pornographic sites, or video games. The Bible warns about the “blindness of heart” in the following passage.
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” (Eph. 4:18 KJV)
Plant, watch, recognize and weed!
You have to watch what you are thinking about continuously to keep garbage from creeping in! Your brain is like a garden that you have to tend constantly by making sure the right things are planted and growing in there and weeds are recognized and pulled out! It is a constant renewing process! (Phil. 1:6)
Therefore…
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2 NIV)