Finally…Think

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 KJV 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT

Think. Thinking is a good thing, usually. Our minds keep on working all the time we’re awake and actually while we sleep, too. It is up to us to control what we think about. To be positive and productive we need to think about good stuff and not to dwell on the bad things in life. Jesus challenged people to “think.” Here are some examples:

-          Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17

-          Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

-          What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? Matthew 18:12

-          But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in the vineyard.' Matthew 21:28 (Read the passage for the rest of the story.)

-          What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?" They said to Him, "The son of David." Matthew 22: 42 (What do you think about their answer?)

-          For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Matthew 24:44

Jesus wants us to think about Him. He wants us to reason and consider…not just be entertained by stuff around us and to wander aimlessly about. Paul directed the people of Corinth to give up childish ways. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things 1 Corinthians 13:11. That is where we’re at…put away kid stuff and concentrate, think, on the important things of life, like pleasing God and training your children in the right way to live. James writes a challenge in James 4:5…Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? James 4:5 Listen up and think. 

Training Tip – Lists. I’m often suggesting that you make a list. So here’s another one. Dear brothers and sisters…friends and family…make a list with your family of things that are “true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable” and post it on your refrigerator or other family posting place. If your children are not readers yet then have them draw a picture of the things that are pure, lovely and admirable, something that has meaning to them like a rainbow. Then suggest that your family members think about those things at any time that they are struggling or just wanting the approval of God. Tell them about fixing their thoughts on the good stuff…letting go of the bad stuff, like anger, meanness, jealousy, fear, or disappointment. Focus on good. Think. 

Lord God, help us to focus on You and to think. To think good thoughts, things that are…true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.