Think About Such Things
Welcome to our "Finding Fullness" devotional series, a transformative two-week journey where we'll delve into the heart of the abundant life that Christ offers us. During our time together, we'll explore a collection of scriptures illuminating the path to embracing Christ's love, grace, and purpose. As Christ's followers, it's essential we not only understand these foundational truths intellectually but also trust them in our hearts and live them out in our daily lives.
Today, we want to consider a spiritual habit that, at first glance, feels like an impossible task - thinking your thoughts. Our minds are constantly bombarded with noise, distractions, and negativity in this fast-paced world. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters. But, we are called to live differently—to set our minds on things above. With this in mind, we invite you to read Philippians 4:8. As you do, pay attention and note any words, phrases, or themes that stand out to you.
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
Without stewarding our attention, we live at the mercy of whatever entertains us. Unfortunately, because our lives are so hectic, we barely consider our heart's condition and where we set our gaze and settle our minds. We possess the ability to think our thoughts. We can stop and consider what we see, feel, and think.
Amidst the constant hum of life, Paul's wisdom in Philippians 4:8 reveals a profound spiritual principle: Our thoughts echo the condition of our hearts. His call to ponder on the "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy" invites us to align our minds with Christ's perspective. This isn't just about positive thinking; it's about anchoring our thoughts in the essence of our Savior. We attune our hearts with His own by immersing ourselves in these virtues. As we do this, we start seeing life how Jesus sees it, and we also spread His love and light in the middle of life's ups and downs by responding differently to whatever comes our way.
Our minds are more powerful than we realize. Thankfully, Paul provides us with a strategy for our minds: think of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. There is only one subject that meets all of these criteria: Jesus. Authentic and genuine praise is reserved for Jesus alone.
In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages us to renew our minds by focusing on life's pure and praiseworthy aspects that point us to a loving and faithful Savior. Rather than merely a vague platitude, it's a practical invitation to curate our thought lives intentionally. Let's accept that invitation right now by focusing on what we focus on.
Reflective Exercise 1: The Inventory of Thought
Take a moment to sit in silence. Close your eyes and allow your thoughts to flow. Now, ask yourself: What occupies most of my mental space? Are my thoughts primarily centered on worries, doubts, and complaints, or am I nurturing ideas of goodness, beauty, and gratitude?
Reflective Exercise 2: The Positive Playlist
Just as we curate playlists of our favorite songs, let's create a mental playlist of positive attributes. Grab a journal and list things that fall into Paul's mentioned categories—truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, and excellence. Replace those worries, doubts, and other negative emotions with truths in Scripture about God's character, promises about His faithfulness, or aspects of your new identity in Christ.
Reflective Exercise 3: Think Your Thoughts
Take a moment and consider: When was the last time you felt a deep sense of peace by dwelling on the praiseworthy things that an encounter with Christ's love brings? How can you guard your mind against negativity and fill it with praiseworthy thoughts?
As you go forth from this devotional, remember that the renewal of your mind is a daily journey. It's not about perfection but about progress. When you catch yourself dwelling on thoughts that don't align with Philippians 4:8, gently redirect your focus. Over time, this practice will lead to a transformed mind that reflects Christ's heart and radiates His light in a world that longs for truth and beauty.
Close your time with this prayer:
Gracious Father, thank you for your Word that guides and renews us. Help us, Lord, to transform our thought patterns under Your wisdom. We confess that we often allow the world's noise to drown out Your voice. Today, we surrender our minds to You—remove the clutter and negativity and replace them with thoughts that bring glory to Your name. May we fix our gaze on the beauty of Your creation, the goodness of Your character, and the wonder of Your love. Empower us to live lives that honor You in every thought and action. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.