Mensa Otabil - Right Thinking
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Philippians Chapter 4 Verse 8: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report-if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The Bible has a lot to say about what we think about and how we think, and God prescribes right ways of thinking and wrong ways that we should avoid.
The reason is that the one who created our brain, Jehovah God, and our thinking faculty understands the optimum way in which our brain functions and the less optimum way that the brain functions. A certain kind of thinking can enable us to live life well to the optimum, while another way of thinking will make us live life at the lowest level. If we don’t guard our thinking, then our minds and our brains become the hub for a lot of junk, a lot of filth, and sometimes a lot of bitterness and anger. Frustration clouds our minds, so our creative energies do not have ways of expression.
In this passage, the Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives us guidelines. It’s not a thorough guide, but it’s a fairly good guide as to the kinds of things we should be considering as we are thinking. When somebody tells us something, or an idea strikes us, or our mind is preoccupied, this is your guideline. He gives us six of them, and the first one is, whatever is true.
So, the question you ask yourself is, is it true? The Word of God is the foundation of truth for the believer, and so whatever we build our lives on begins with God’s truth-God’s truth is our truth. If an idea strikes me or somebody does something to me and I’m thinking of how to respond, the first thing I meditate on is: is it true? Is this founded on God’s word? Is this the way God says I should act? So that’s the first way we think: is it true? Then he says, whatever is noble. Is it noble? That means, is it dignified? Does it come with dignity and sincerity? Is it a model of the best of humanity?
Because, you know, if you’re not careful, although you’re a human being, you can behave less than human and act in ways that will shock even yourself. Our thoughts must be true; our thoughts must be noble; they must exemplify the best of our humanity. The third thing is just. God is the standard of our justice, so when we consider something that goes through our mind, we must ask: is it just? Is it right? Is it wrong? Is it fair to all concerned? The Lord gives us an example of true and righteous judgment.
Many times, out of pain, bitterness, or frustration, we can start imagining bad things, and we don’t really care whether they’re just, fair, or right; we just want to do it because we feel we must. Is it just? The fourth is, is it pure? That means our thoughts must be pure; we must shun profanity, crude jokes, and things that debase humanity, along with things that talk down and destroy others. Is it lovely? Love is a force that guides all our actions. Then, is it a good report? That is, does it speak well of God? Does it speak well of our faith as Christians? If I’m a Christian and I’m doing something, I must ask myself, will it give a good report of Christians? Does it reflect well on God? Does it show God in a good light?
These are the things that we think about, so don’t just entertain every thought. Let this be your guide from the Scriptures, and in the end, our thoughts must be virtuous and excellent. He says, meditate on these things; that means fill your mind with these things. I trust that as we seek to live a victorious life, our minds will be controlled and guarded by these principles.
Let us pray. Say with me, Heavenly Father, help me focus my thoughts and actions on the positive principles of your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen and Amen. Well, I’ll catch you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.