Every day we are faced with choices. Some choices are easy like what should I eat for breakfast, other choices are more difficult like where should live, what is the best job for us to take, what feelings do we dwell on or even how should we react.
Today’s verse from Philippians 4 gives us practical guidance on what we should think about which will impact our actions and words.
“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, 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 worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Worry impacts our thinking. We start with a small worry that if we dwell on it, can become a big point of stress and anxiety in our lives.
When we start to feel worry and stress, one thing we can do is change our thinking. Instead of focusing on the negative, we should focus on the positive.
What are some positive things we can think about? Right here in Philippians 4:8, it says to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure lovely, and of a good report. This is what we should think about.
When you feel your thoughts are negative and causing stress, ask yourself these questions.
Is this good and honorable?
Is it just and right?
Is it pure?
Is it lovely?
Does it have a good report?
If you can answer yes to all of these questions, most likely you are thinking right. If you can’t answer yes, then you will want to redirect your thinking to Philippians 4:8.
The verse specifically says to think on good things, pure things, and lovely things. While it’s not specifically stated, if we applied this principle to things we say and do, we would have better relationships because we would not be hurting other people with our words and actions.
Our words and actions are based on what we think. Let’s spend more time thinking on things that are pure, just, honest and of a good report.
