Mensa Otabil - Guard Your Mind (11/03/2025)
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 brains, Jehovah God, understands the optimum way in which our brains function and the less optimum ways in which they function. Certain kinds of thinking can make us live life well to the optimum, while other ways of thinking will make us live life at the lowest level. If we don’t guard our thinking, then our minds and our brains can become the habitat for a lot of junk, filth, and, sometimes, a lot of bitterness, anger, and frustration that cloud 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 think. When somebody tells us something, or an idea strikes us, or our minds are preoccupied, this is your guideline. He gives us six of them. The first 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 whatever we build our lives on begins from God’s truth. God’s truth is our truth. So 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 are a human being, you can behave less than a human being and act in ways that will shock you yourself. So our thoughts must be true; our thoughts must be noble. They must exemplify the best of our humanity.
Then the third thing: Is it just? God is the standard of our justice. So when we consider something that goes through our minds, we must ask: Is it just? Is it right? Is it wrong? Is it fair to all concerned? The Lord gives us examples 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 whether it’s just, fair, or right. We just want to do it because we feel we must do it. Is it just?
The fourth is, is it pure? This means that our thoughts must be pure; we must shun profanity, coarse jokes, and things that debase humanity — things that talk down and destroy other people. Is it lovely? Love is the force that guides all our actions. Then, is it a good report? Does it speak well of God? Does it speak well of our faith as Christians? Because if I’m a Christian and I’m doing something, I must ask myself: Will it give a good report of Christians? Does it give a good report of God? Does it show God in a good light? These are the things that we should 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. He says, «Meditate on these things,» which 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.