Philippians 4:8
[8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)
The way that we think about things affects the way that we act. I have met people who did nothing but think about an injustice that was done to them. They become consumed with bitterness and their actions show that bitterness. I have known people who have experienced great suffering but think on the goodness of the Lord. Their actions are loving even though they are in pain.
Does God care about what we think? This admonition from the Apostle Paul would suggest that he cares very much. Sometimes we think that God can only see our actions, yet is unaware of our thoughts. We may do things that we are "supposed" to do while grumbling in our minds. This is not pleasing to the Lord. He tells us through the Apostle Paul just what he wants us to think on.
Things that are true have their source in God's truth. Meditating on the Word of God is a great way to think on what is true. Are you spending time in God's Word? Whatever is honorable refers to the sacred, rather than what is profane. A great way to think on honorable things is to listen to worship music that glorifies God. Let that fill your mind.
Whatever is just and pure is those things that are in agreement with God's perfect standard of holiness. As you look at current issues of our day make sure that your thinking is in line with God's thinking that he has expressed in His Word. The things that are lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise all point to glorifying God. We should always be thinking of things that glorify Him.
What do you think? Whatever it is will come out in your actions. Do you truly want people to know the Savior. Get your thinking right so that your actions will follow.
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