Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things ~ Philippians 4:8


Our thoughts are very powerful indicators of what we will actually do. If we think negatively, we will act negatively; if we are angry in our thoughts, our outward reactions will be angry. Of course, our heart and our mind are very closely connected. This is why Jesus had said, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts…” (Mark 7:21, 22). Jesus then lists several evils of sin which lead us astray. Paul is encouraging the Philippian church to think, not of what they had thought of in the past, but to think of the new – the holiness and righteousness in every point of view. They were now called into a new life, one in which modelled the Saviour, Jesus Christ. They were called to walk as he walked, to think as he thought, and to act as he acted. We can only do this if our eyes, our heart, and our mind are set on Jesus Christ. Paul gives eight qualities of thought that must be present in the mind and remain as steadfast thoughts so as to live this type of life: noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. These must be the thoughts at the forefront of our mind at all times. If these are where our thoughts concentrate themselves, just think of the influence they would have on the world around you and me.

Pastor Julia

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