Meditate on These Things
Philippians 4:8 (AMP) For the rest,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is
honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and
gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything
worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these
things [fix your minds on them].
Paul in Philippians 4:6-7, revealed,
his down-to-earth instructions on living in the peace of God; First do not get
anxious about anything, second, in every circumstance pray definite requests
and third, with thanksgiving make your wants known to God. Continuing on in vs 8, Paul sets forth another
down-to-earth instruction this time concerning our thought life.
In the affairs of everyday life, the
mind is confronted with thoughts about a multitude of ideas, issues, and
events. To stay in the peace of God, Paul advocates fixing the mind on whatever
is just, honorable, pure, lovely, winsome, gracious, kind, and loveable. The
written Word of God has all of these qualities and is the very words of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) states “Keep your
heart with all diligence, for, out of it spring the issues of
life.” Heart, in this scripture is not
the blood pumping muscle, but the inner soul of man which includes the mind,
the will, and the emotions. The battle to control the mind rages between the
flesh, the devil, and Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is vitally important to fix
our mind on the Words of God rather than the cares and issues of this life.
Ending
Thoughts
As you journey on the Narrow Path that
leads to Relationship with God, fix you mind (think about) on whatever is just,
honorable, pure, lovely, winsome, gracious, kind, and loveable. In other words,
fix you mind on Christ.