Switch Your Thoughts!

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [centre your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. Philippians 4:8 (Amplified)

The Apostle Paul is challenging us all to think about things that are true, based on biblical truth, not spin or lies. To ponder and reflect on what is honourable, noble and dignified, not what is disrespectful, base, rude and vulgar. To meditate on what is just and righteous, not injustice or what is wrong and twisted or distorted. Focus on what is pure, not what is dirty, degrading. Fix your thoughts on what is admirable and praiseworthy, not on what is offensive and ugly.

The challenge is for us to think about what we value most and the choices we make daily. It is also for us to think about the overall quality of our lives consciously, deliberately, and regularly. In terms of our relationships, how we use our talent and skills, our hobbies, how we spend our resources e.g., money, time, and energy. Our choice of what we wear, what we do at work, how we speak, what we read, watch, and listen to, places we frequent alone and with friends.

“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognise what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you“. Romans 12:2 (The Message)

Christians can learn positive things from our unbelieving neighbours, colleagues and friends. We can learn positive things from movies and television shows. We should not be ashamed to take advantage of the insight and knowledge of those who do not share our faith.

“…if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things…” (verse 8). We should covet what is truly excellent among them, however, we should be careful how much time we give or dedicate to these and never conform to their way of life.

It is easy to dwell on and think about the things that trouble us, things that cause us worry and anxiety. It is easy to think the worst of people especially if we don’t approve of their actions. It is easy to think about what is not going right in our lives, what we see as flaws or disappointment in our family members, lack of money, health issues, difficult boss, the government etc.

The more we think or dwell on negativity, the more likely we become sad, worried, filled with anxiety, frustrated, angry and our prayers become a continuous and an endless litany of requests before God.

When we deliberately and consciously think about, dwell and keep our minds on the things that are true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper, the more joyful we become, the more we can spot and guard against negativity.

Your mind and thoughts matter. Switch it today. 

Stay blessed,

Alex