Setting My Mind

Scripture: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Observation: Paul's final words to the Philippians are rich with truth. From advice about prayer, to blessing for their generosity, to his famous statement that he can do all things through Christ, Paul's words here are amazing. It is this lesson - of advice about how to align one's mind to God - that is the hardest instruction. Our thought life is hard to control, and Paul's instructions help by placing this challenge in a positive light. He doesn't say "don't think about hate, lust, anger, etc.", but rather "DO think about things that are true, good, beautiful, admiral, etc." This is about constructively giving us something to replace the negative thoughts.

Applications: While I really wanted to comment on the passage we prayed on this morning - about finding peace in our hearts through faith - this other challenge of the mind is where my efforts have already been lately. I find times are better when I am thinking positively and good, praiseworthy, and God-worthy things. This eases my mind ... or at least removes the darkness from my mind that comes from anger, resentment, and general 'bad' thoughts.

I want to remember these adjectives ... true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admiral, praiseworthy, excellent. These are qualities to seek in things so I can then dwell upon them. I can find these qualities in the world around me - and in people around me - and then pray, meditate, ponder, and dwell on those things and people. This also gives me a wide range of "goodness" to seek out during my daily walk, so I can then fill my head with these good thoughts at night.

Prayer: Lord, I seek your goodness, and desire to dwell upon your great world. Guide me in this discipline of focusing my attention and thoughts on the goodness of your people, creating, work, and love, so that I can avoid the destructive inner thoughts that plague me. My mind is yours to guide. Amen.