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Think on These Things – Phil. 4-8
Think on These Things – Phil. 4-8
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
I can’t control my thoughts, they just happen. Really? We all know that random thoughts CAN flit through our minds, but we don’t have to allow them to stay there. Hence, Paul’s exhortation to ‘dwell’ on these things.
Notice the various translations of this phrase: “dwell on these things” (NASB), “meditate on these things” (NKJV), “think about these things” (NRSV), “fill your minds with those things” (TEV), “let your minds be filled with” (NJB).
Do you want to change your mood? Think on these things. Do you want to change your character? Dwell on these things. Do you want to change your outlook? Think on these things. Do you want to change your opinion of someone? Think on these things. In Colossians he gave similar exhortation: “1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”( Colossians 3:1-3)
Now we know that such thoughts don’t change reality or truth, but they do change how we view and act upon such things. Such is not a Polly-Anna syndrome, but rather an optimistic view grounded in our faith in God. God rules in the kingdoms of men. God is faithful. God cares for you. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Consider what you read, what you watch, what you listen to, where you go, who you are with, etc. THEY do effect what influences us and thus influence what we dwell upon.
So, what are you thinking about?
Hugh DeLong
