Whatsoever Things Part 4
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).
Whatsoever Things Are of Good Report
The phrase “of good report” indicates something that is coming to you from the outside, seeking to influence your thinking. So many voices speaking to us every day! So many “reports”, information we must sort through and choose what to dwell on. The average person has more than 6,000 individual thoughts each day! While we cannot always control what knocks at the door of our mind, we can certainly control what we choose to dwell on.
There is a lot of evil that goes on in this world—at times, it can seem overwhelming. And I truly believe there is a balance—as Christian adults, we can’t completely ignore what is going on around us, nor are we supposed to. It’s not Scriptural to hide ourselves in a safe little bubble and ignore the fact that all around us people are spiritually dying without Christ (John 17:14-17).
But, on the other hand, we are told to keep our minds stayed on the Lord (Isaiah 26:4) and to look unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:1). We are not to focus on the things of this world, but on Christ. To that end–how much time do we spend on the news as compared to thinking on the things of God? We will not be able to have the right perspective on world happenings if we don’t first saturate ourselves in the truth of God’s word.
People sin, bad things happen, the earth is truly filled with violence. But we don’t have to constantly dwell on that! There are also so many things that are of good report–those who are living for Christ, people getting saved, missions, answered prayer. Those are the things that are worth dwelling on!
As a side note under this heading—our thoughts of others will influence how we treat them. We will, unavoidably, hear reports about those around us. While sometimes there is actual sin that needs to be exposed, when the information is just idle gossip, we don’t need to listen. Charity…thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:5b-6). Amy Carmichael wrote, “If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love (If, pg. 14).” Let’s seek to use charity, not just outwardly, but in our thoughts towards others as well.
If There be any Virtue
Virtue—moral goodness, possessing high moral standards. Are our thoughts in keeping with high moral standards? We set Scriptural standards for our lives and actions, but it all starts in our minds. Those standards will quickly slide from our actions if we’ve not first set them in our thoughts. I’m so thankful for the Holy Spirit and His conviction whenever I begin to dwell on something that isn’t right!
And If There Be Any Praise
While this can certainly mean to think on what is praiseworthy–what about our thoughts bringing praise to Jesus? Do we worship the Savior in our minds? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matthew 22:37).
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle with complaining in my mind! But Jesus is so worthy of my praise. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works (Psalm 9:1). Like the hymn says, “Not for the lips of praise alone, nor even a praising heart I ask, but for a life made up of praise in every part.” Even my thoughts!
Sometimes, we offer that praise even with a broken, bleeding heart. The Bible talks about the sacrifice of praise, and sometimes it is truly a sacrifice to offer praise. Praise doesn’t mean that we are jumping up and down rejoicing that we’re going through something–it means recognizing that God is good even in the heartache. We praise God even while He counts the tears that we weep. Praise and sorrow can coexist.
Think On These Things
It’s a clear command from the Lord. Deliberately think on these things. And every thing He tells us to think on is first found in Who He is and in His word. God wants us to think on that which reflects His character and His holy, precious word. My hope is that you and I will seek to match our thoughts to His, and in so doing, will become more like Jesus! I want to love Him with all my mind. And this isn’t something we do on our own–Christ is in us and with us, and He can enable us to be victorious in this battle of the mind. Praise His name!
