Whatsoever Things Part 1
“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).”
Your thoughts make or break you, because “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” We win or lose the battle between flesh and spirit in our mind. Yet, as any believer knows, the battle is not an easy one. The voices of this world are constant–and defiling. The flesh has a way of thinking that is in complete opposition to the word of God. This is why we are commanded to “be…transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).” We know that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).”
However, God didn’t design our minds to be in a vacuum. This verse from Philippians is a command to deliberately fill our minds with that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. I’ve been blessed by what I discovered as I studied this verse recently. Look for a common theme…there are two subjects that qualify every time!
Whatsoever things are true.
I have a big imagination. I believe that is a gift from God–but unfortunately, our imaginations can also be fertile ground for things that are dishonoring to the Lord. I don’t think this verse is saying we can never use our imagination, but our imagination must be captive to the truth of God. There is, perhaps, no other area that I have struggled in this more than fear. My imagination can surely take me on quite a trip! (What if…? what if…? what if…?) But what is in my imagination is not truth. So I must choose, instead of allowing my imagination to control me, to bring my imagination into the control of God’s truth.
More than 2,000 years ago, a man named Pilate asked a question that has been echoed by every human since time began. “What is truth?” Many believe that there is no such thing as absolute truth. But where does that leave one? Unanchored.
First, we find truth in a Person. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).“ God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). So it follows that His word must be true. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).” If you are seeking something true to think on, you can’t think about anything better than our Lord and His word!
I know that it’s easy to let my thoughts drift, influenced by the many voices that surround us. But there is no peace, no security, and no victory in that. We must anchor our thinking in the truth of God’s word. We must filter every piece of input in the light of His word.
I’d like to finish by sharing some practical ways to renew your mind with God’s truth daily. Spend time in His word. Even if it cannot be a long time, take a few minutes each day to hear His voice. Sing hymns. Listen to godly music and preaching. Memorize scripture to meditate on. Put scripture in your home–chalk it on your mirror, hang it on your walls, put it on your screensavers.
And finally: His promises are completely true. As such, they are so precious! There is no condition that a godly man or woman can be in, but there is some promise in the Scripture to help him in that condition. –Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
Stand on the promises. Cling to the Promise-giver. You can rest assured that in Him is absolute truth!
