GODLY THINKING

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are

true, whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be

any praise,

THINK ON THESE THINGS.

Philippians 4:8

Recently we looked at Philippians 2:5 and following verses that had to do with letting ourselves have the mind of Christ in our selflessness, servanthood, humility and obedience. When reading such a challenge in Scripture we tend to be a little negative because the challenge seems to much. Paul's command was “LET this mind be in you....”

We don't like anyone messing with our heads. We make up our minds about things. We don't want to be told we are wrong about any of our thinking. When we think something, we think it from the top of our heads to the big toes on our feet. How often when younger perhaps at home with parents did we say or think, “You can't tell me what to think.” I'm afraid to ourselves we may have said that any number of times as adults.

We are presently in a difficult thinking time. We've been told to stay home and don't go anywhere. Ordinarily Brian and I wouldn't go much of anywhere anyway. We are home bodies. He goes for an orchestra practice on Monday evening and on Friday morning I go get my hair done. The rest of our activity has to do with church. Well, orchestra is done for the season, I'm not getting my hair done for now and church is on our computer screens. The most people I see looking out my front windows are joggers and bikers most that appear to be tourists (who aren't supposed to be here)from heavily infected flu states.

Where you live may present some different things for you. I know grandparents who can't visit with their grandchildren. Some folks have had to cancel trips. Grocery stores may not have the products needed. The walls of the house seem to be closing in. News on TV (if you watch it) is so depressing. Money in the bank account is dwindling. Someone you know and love may be out of a job. Concern over becoming ill. Some folks may be dealing with more than one of those things listed.

Despite the times, Paul in two places tells us what to think. If we want healthy minds in these days of turmoil and concern, it will mean revamping how we think and what we think. It's almost a retraining for us, but with Holy Spirit power, He can do anything in us but, we must be willing to participate in the training. For most of us, it's probably been a long time since we even considered the good, bad or ugly of our thinking. Paul lists some things for us to think upon. Once again it seems a lot, but we can step into the circle and take charge. The change in our thinking will improve our lives and hopefully give God the glory. So what are we to think on:

Truth: Honesty that is God given, not only with others, but with ourselves as well.

Honest: Truth in action

Just: That which is worthy of respect and right.

Pure: Moral purity

Lovely: Beautiful

Good report: Thinking only in light of spiritual good and relaying such in conversation.

Paul says if there is virtue and praise in these things, then that's where to LET your mind go. We must train ourselves to think in Godly ways on all those things that are positive, good and clean. Every now and then just to quietly question, “Will this thinking honor God?” “Is God pleased with what I'm thinking about right now?” Come up with your own searching questions. My bad thought attacks come when I am in bed and have trouble getting to sleep. Satan knows my weaknesses and where to hit my mind with subtle, negative thoughts. If not careful, I'll just go ahead and run with them and then they grow and grow.

In our day with so much negativity, we have God's power to help us rise above all the junk of this world. Our thoughts affect our health and well being more than we realize. A virus may not all that needs cleaned out of most lives. Let's use this time to benefit us spiritually, which by the way, begins with our thinking.

Thank You Father for this wonderful tool box of spiritual character with which to work and live as You desire. Help us, Holy Spirit to be open to Your leading. Without Your strengthening we can't accomplish any one of these thinking points. Thank You Jesus for making this wonderful life available to us. In Your Name...Amen