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.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Our opening Scripture is God’s instruction as to how to use our mind correctly. Here, the Lord gives us a list of the things to think about. It says we are to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. The fact that the Word gives us a list of things to think upon simply tells us that there are things not to think upon. It is not every thought that’s worthy of consideration or meditation. There are thoughts that are toxic to our spiritual, mental, and physical health. We are to desist from meditating on them. Secondly, the fact the Word gives us a list of things to think on also reveals that it is our choice what we think on. We are not forced to meditate on any thought beyond our choice to do so. Your meditation is your decision – strictly yours! Thirdly, since our meditation is strictly our decision, we are then responsible for our thoughts and their effects on our lives.
You must be thoughtful to mind the right things. What you mind is what you’ll become. If you mind the right things, you’ll become the right person, and you will get the right results in life. So, it’s important to mind the right things. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he ….” (Proverbs 23:7). You are supposed to be selective with your thoughts and meditation. The Scriptures say, “…whatsoever things are true…” which means that, if it’s not true, if it is not according to what God has said concerning you, then it is not worthy of your meditation. John 17:17 says “Sanctify them by your truth: for your word is truth.” The Word of God is truth and so, we are meant to meditate on the Word. Whatsoever is inconsistent with the Word is not worthy of your meditation. Don’t think on things that are ugly about people. No! Don’t believe ugly things about people. Believe right! Believe the best of people. Make sure your thoughts towards people are pure and lovely thoughts. “Whatsoever things are of good report…” it says, think on these things. These are the things we ought to think or meditate upon. As we do that, we mind the right things, become the right person and we get the right results. This is the summary of the matter: Never accommodate thoughts that will transform you into someone you don’t want to see in front of the mirror; only accommodate thoughts consistent with the vision of the person you desire to become!
MY SOLID FRONT:
Thank You heavenly Father, for the power of choice, which you have given to me. Therefore, I declare that I set my mind on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous and of a good report in Jesus’ Name; and my end is according to your Word. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Psalms 19:14; 1 Corinthians 2:16.