What 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)

It seems as though we’re assaulted from every direction with information: thousands of advertising messages, texts, emails, social media, television, laptops, and much more. It’s hard to have a thought of your own. And that’s not good! The Bible tells us to be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10). It also tells us to guard our hearts (Prov. 4:23) and to cast down imaginations and bring every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor.10:5).

The passage at top gives us a list of things we should be thinking of. Here is that list repeated below with definitions.

Think on these things…

·      Whatever is true – “Consistent with fact or reality; not false or erroneous.”

·      Whatever is noble – “Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor.”

·      Whatever is right – “In accordance with fact, reason, or truth; correct.”

·      Whatever is pure – “Containing nothing inappropriate or extraneous.

·      Whatever is lovely – “delightful for beauty, harmony, or grace.”

·      Whatever is admirable – “worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.”

·      If anything is excellent – “Excelling; surpassing others in some good quality or the sum of qualities; of great worth; eminent, in a good sense; superior.”

·      If anything is praiseworthy – “Meriting praise; highly commendable.”

Therefore…

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2)