Mensa Otabil - Clean Thoughts
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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, knows how our thinking faculty functions at an optimum level and the less optimum way it can function. Certain kinds of thinking can enable us to live life to the fullest, while other ways of thinking can lead us to live at the lowest level. If we don’t guard our thinking, our minds and brains can become a hub for a lot of junk, filth, bitterness, anger, and frustration, which cloud our minds so that our creative energies lack ways of expression.
In this passage, the Apostle Paul’s writing, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives us guidelines. It’s not a thorough guide, but it is a fairly good guide for the kinds of things we should consider as we think. When someone tells us something or an idea strikes us and occupies our minds, this is our guideline. He gives us six of them. The first is whatever is true. The question you ask yourself is, «Is it true?» The Word of God is the foundation of truth for the believer, so whatever we build our lives on must begin from God’s truth. God’s truth is our truth. If an idea strikes me or someone 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?»
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 are a human being, you can behave less than a human being, and you can act in ways that will shock even yourself. Thus, 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. Therefore, when we consider something that crosses our mind, we ask ourselves, «Is it just? Is it right? Is it fair to all concerned?»
The Lord gives us an example of true and righteous judgment because many times, out of pain, bitterness, and frustration, we can start imagining bad things, and we don’t really care if it’s just, fair, or right. We just want to do it because we feel we must. Is it just? The fourth is pure, meaning our thoughts must be pure. We must shun profanity, coarse jokes, and things that debase humanity — things that look down on or destroy other people. Is it lovely? Love is the force that guides all our actions. Then, is it of good report? Does it speak well of God? Does it speak well of our faith as Christians? Because if I am a Christian and I’m doing something, I must ask myself if it will give a good report of Christians. Does it show God in a good light? These are the things we think about.
So, don’t just entertain every thought. Let this be your guide from the Scriptures. In the end, our thoughts must be virtuous and excellent, and he says to meditate on these things, meaning 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.»