Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
“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.”
Today I thought about my mind. I pondered if my thoughts were mostly heavenly-minded or as healthy as they should be; if they were truly godly thoughts. I sought to assess if my mind was holy or set apart with the Lord’s ideas.
I know we’re tempted from time to time to think about things that aren’t very helpful to our lives and have many opportunities to be led in the wrong direction. Yet I’m so glad the Bible clearly gives us direction on how to think.
When we find our thoughts becoming distracted with things that can be troublesome or desirable, by the fruit of self-control the Holy Spirit has given us, we can assess whether our thoughts truly demonstrate the mind of Christ that 1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us we have: ‘… “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.’
Hence, we may ask ourselves if our thoughts are:
True
Is what we are thinking about true? Unpack it. Is it accurate? Is it factual? Is it addressed in the Bible?
Noble
Is what we’re thinking upright and honorable? Is it respectful and of good qualities?
Just
Are our thoughts fair-minded, impartial, and without bias? Are they morally right?
Pure
Are our mindsets clear, unadulterated, or refined? Are our thoughts uncontaminated without unnecessary elements?
Lovely
Are our ponderings appealing or attractive?
Good
Are our thoughts acceptable, admirable, and beneficial?
Virtuous
Is our reasoning principled, clean, and decent?
Praiseworthy
Might our thinking be commendable, credible, or exemplary?
These characteristics appear to be quite lofty standards to obtain in our thinking. However, the Bible tells us our citizenship is not of this world, but heaven (Philippians 3:20-21), so the Holy Spirit is faithful to help us to achieve success when we ask the Lord with sincerity. Nevertheless, we must be willing to be patient with our transformation.
Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on the things of heaven and not the things of earth. This can be particularly difficult since we are faced with the sights of many worldly things continually. Some of these things are truly beautiful. Yet I’m convinced it takes the power of the Holy Spirit along with the spiritual discipline of prayer, Bible study, other Christian lifestyle reading, and authentic Christian fellowship, to do well in this endeavor of mastering godly thinking.
Often, we habitually think without even realizing what we’re thinking about. Self-reflection is key–checking in periodically to see what’s on our minds and if it is helpful to our Christian walk. Then we pray, seek, and implement the necessary changes. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24)”.
Ms. Rita's Minute 