What Are You Thinking?

Verse of the day: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Regardless of how much we may try to conceal what we think, it eventually comes out, in some form, in the way we behave. The battle for our minds is a real battle. If we ponder and meditate on that which is negative, dishonest, and unrighteous, we eventually begin to cultivate a plan that will allow us to accomplish whatever it is we are thinking. We may not want to have an affair with a co-worker or someone we encounter on a regular basis, but if our thoughts toward that person are not pure, eventually we will find a way to get closer and allow our lustful thoughts to become actions that are sinfully fulfilled. After all is said and done we often regret our actions, and cannot figure out how we got there. Well, it began in our thought life. We camped on thoughts that should have been rebuked and given over to Jesus (2 Cor 10:4-6). This is why we are told in Romans 12:2 to not be conformed to that this world, but be transformed by renewing our minds. How do we do this? We do this by reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God. As born again believers, we have the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit, working in us to enable us, in the power of Christ, to change how we think. This verse in Philippians reminds us that we need to focus our thoughts on things that are sincere (in the words we speak), honest (being dignified in our actions), just (or just toward others), pure (this is in reference to our own actions and behavior), lovely (that which is lovable toward others; our neighbor), of good report (in reference to how people see us, and speak of us, as representatives of Jesus); whatever is ethical and others will praise (please note that our goal is not the praises of men; however, in doing what is praiseworthy before the Lord will sometimes earn us the praises of others). These are things we are supposed to be mindful of. Why? Is it simply to occupy our minds all day without a purpose? No. In verse 9 of this chapter the Apostle Paul instructs the church to do this, as they have seen him do this (as a living example; as he follows Jesus Christ). In other words, we are to think on these things in order to be prepared for the occasions when we will be given opportunity to practice them. In my days as a pastor, I have had occasions where Christians have said or done things, in my presence, that were less than honorable, and have apologized; only to have their spouse comment, “I told you that one day you were going to do/say something you shouldn’t, if you didn’t stop doing/saying _____.” The truth is that you cannot hide your thought life for long before your outward actions give you away. Meditate on those things that honor God, and that will lead to attitudes, words, and actions that will also honor God as a rule, and not an exception.