Your Thought Life

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

Paul is admonishing us about what we should think about. Let’s look at Paul’s exhortation in reverse order.  He is saying, “Think about things that are praiseworthy, virtuous, of good report, lovely, pure, just, honest, and true.

Another way to consider this verse is to look at the opposite of things you should not think about: That is, DO NOT think about things that are false, dishonest, unjust, vile, ugly, of bad report, unwholesome, or contemptible.

Either way you look at Paul’s criteria for our thought life, it is clear we should dwell on those things are a positive and God-honoring.  Negative thoughts will lead to a negative attitude and negative behavior (Prov. 23:7).

How much of what you watch, listen to, or read falls short of Paul’s qualifications in Philippians 4:8?  Do you need to apply 2 Corinthians 10:5 to your thinking?