THINK ON THESE THINGS

“Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4: 8

All through the Scriptures, there are evidences that our minds and hearts are very delicate and sensitive, therefore we should guard it.

Solomon recommended in Proverbs 4: 23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it proceeds the issues of life”.

It is psychologically and spiritually 'proven that what fills your heart and dominates the mental environment of your mind, is what eventually becomes your words, actions and on a whole moderate your life.

Therefore, it becomes imperative that we be consciously selective of what things we allow to stay in our minds. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

Matthew 12: 34b

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Your Thought is Critical in Your Christian Life
As part of important considerations for the church, the Apostle Paul included in his letter to the Philippians –a pattern of what they should allow in their minds and hearts. Pastor Ibiyeomie in one his books calls it the thinking formulae.

In order to entertain or accommodate the presence of God, the Apostle identified the things or kinds of things we should allow in our minds and thoughts. They are, or should be:

True, Honest, Pure, Just

These words were carefully chosen. Whatever it is, that is not true —is dangerous to allow in our minds. It is like a false location details on a complementary card. You cannot get to the real place.

God is honest, just and decent. He is a Spirit and desire worship made in the spirit, we His children are expected to allow honesty, righteousness and purity characterize our lives, beginning from our thoughts.

Other expected qualities of our thoughts are:

Lovely, Good Report, Virtuous, Praise Worthy

To avoid bad reports being made about our lives, we have to scrutinize the contents of our thoughts, thereby taking out anything that has no spiritual and moral virtue.

Anything not deserving of praise and appreciation both by God and man, should be crossed out of our lives beginning from our minds.

In conclusion, we are instructed to discard the negatives and think on the positive things which brings glory to God.

An important emphasis to consider is that Paul the Apostle did not just say ‘do these things’ but first, ‘think on these things’.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to think on godly things. Your thoughts are blessed.

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