Think Positive
We are still in the last chapter of Philippians with our study on how God expects us to conduct ourselves during this life on earth.
I believe that the Book of Philippians is a God inspired guideline for our walk and being in this world. And just as a reminder, the Book of Philippians is not the only book in the Bible to give advice for life. We have to take the whole of Scripture into consideration and it’s important to keep all of it in context.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
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.
Philippians 4:8(NLT)
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.
What a wonderful instruction! And it says it all.
How can we fix our thoughts on the positive and not wonder off into the negative world around us?
Every morning we put on the armor of God. That’s the way to face the day, and it will strengthen us to stand strong and be shielded against the arrows Satan shoots at us. God will protect us.
Once we have put on the helmet of salvation no evil thought has to be followed through. The breastplate of righteousness will prevent the devil from getting to our heart. We are protected all around.
The beautiful thing is that we cannot entertain two thoughts in our mind at once. We either think of this or that. So, when a negative or evil thought enters our mind we can chose to look to the Lord Jesus Christ and meditate on what He teaches us through the apostle Paul.
Every one of the virtues Paul talks about can be found in Jesus. Following is a quote from William MacDonald:
“Let us look at these virtues one by one:
True means not false or unreliable, but genuine and real.
Noble means honorable or morally attractive.
Just means righteous, both toward God and man.
Pure would refer to the high moral character of a person’s life.
Lovely has the idea of that which is admirable or agreeable to behold or consider.
Of good report has also been translated “of good repute” or “fair sounding.”
Virtue, of course, speaks of moral excellence; and
praiseworthy, something that deserves to be commended.”*
We don’t have to wonder, we know that He is with us all the way—24/7.
It’s obvious that living right comes from thinking right. When our mind is pure, then our life will show that purity. Just imagine what kind of testimony it is to the world around us.
Wearing the armor of God we are prepared to stand tall but at the same time be humble at heart because it’s not us but God who shines through us.
Here is a quote from Warren Henderson’s book “May We See Christ” A New Testament Journey, pg. 88:
“We validate what we believe by what we do”.
Isn’t that the truth!
Do you put on the armor of God in the morning?
Is your thought-life pure?
In what way has it saved you?
Feel free to leave me a comment; I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
May our hearts rejoice in the Lord always!
I hope this post is an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV)
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
To God be the Glory!
Next week we will look at the last “DO” in chapter 4 of Philippians with verse 9.
Holistic Nutrition Retreat 