Thinking about the Right Things

“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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” – Phil 4:8. ESV

Positive: peace comes through positive thinking. The word think (logizesthe) means to consider, reflect, reason, and ponder. The idea is that of focusing our thoughts until they shape our behavior. The truth is:

⇒ what we think is what we become.
⇒ where we have kept our minds is where we are.
⇒ our thoughts shape our behavior.
⇒ what we do is what we think.

Paul tells the Philippians to “think about these things” after listing eight captivating graces they should ponder. They should dwell on whatever is (1) true, (2) honorable, (3) just, (4) pure, (5) lovely, (6) commendable, (7) excellent, or (8) worthy of praise. Fixing one’s gaze on Christ would fulfill all of these, for he perfectly lived out all of them. He is the fullness of goodness, truth, and beauty. Stated negatively, Christians should stay away from all that is false, dishonorable, unjust, impure, ugly, improper, inferior, or unworthy