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)
The Apostle Paul admonished the Body of Christ to intentional Jesus-centered thinking. Christ-centric thoughts shape our lives in God's way. As individuals, we can think on these things by seeking and celebrating whatsoever things fit within Philippians 4:8 parameters. As the corporate Body of Christ, we learn to apply these things to our spiritual walk.
- Truth is the foundation of our faith.
- Honest things include nobility and righteouness, which point us toward integrity and justice.
- Just things cause us to honor what is good and to live honorably.
- Purity is keeping our hearts clean before God, which will ultimatelyl keep our attitudes and actions pure.
- Lovely things must be dwelt on intentionally. It is about seeing the beauty in others and creating a focus on joy and beauty.
- Things of Good Report cause us to look for the good in others and also in the world around us.
- Virtuous things eliminate humanity's "spot it, got it" problem. When we focus on virtue, it makes us people of gratitude and encouragement.
- Things Worthy of Praise cause us to seek excellence, which is not about being perfect. Rather, it's about giving our best for God's glory.
To help us "think on these things," Paul gave five ideas that describe praying right:
- Rejoicing
- Proper Balance
- Trust and Not Worry
- Talking with God about Our Needs
- Being Thankful
As we pray right according to Philippians chapter 4, it will lead us to these points and help us understand how God desires to work in our lives. When we learn to think right, we allow God's peace (not our own understanding) to keep our hearts (attitudes) and minds (thoughts) in Jesus. Thinking right teaches us to:
- Filter everything through Philippians 4:8 (including our thoughts and media consumption).
- Meditate on God's Word to renew our minds.
- Replace negative thoughts with God's promises.
By allowing the above ideas to permeate our lives, we will learn to live right. This means we "think on these things" by allowing those things to be part of our daily habits and tasks. Then, we learn from each other in God's kingdom and become mentors, friends, and brothers/sisters in Christ. As we do this, God's peace will be with us.