Think About Such Things Philippians 4:8

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Who else needs to ‘think about such things’ as we’re instructed to do in Philippians 4:8? Do you need to fix your thoughts on Jesus, too?

It’s so interesting this life of walking in the spirit and pursuing God’s heart. One minute you are deeply in touch with God’s heart and it’s so real and tangible you can practically touch Him. 

Then, you shift focus, get distracted, are tempted to try again in your own strength, sin, or worry creeps in, and you’re left scrambling to get back to Him.

The struggle is real. Today, we’re diving in to think on these things as God’s word instructs us in Philippians 4:8.

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Think About Such Things

My thoughts and emotions have been all over the place this week. It’s like I’ve balled up my feelings and put them into a giant pinball machine. As soon as one thought rolls to the bottom and about runs its course, the button is pushed and they’re slammed back to the top again being bounced and prodded all along the way.

Instead of getting a higher score, I keep seeing the flashing light and hearing the gentle whisper, “think on these things”.

It makes me pause.

I know it’s an invitation back to God’s heart.

Philippians 4:8 and “think about such things” is extended to you as well.

As with all invitations, we get to make a choice. Do we accept it? Do we RSVP ‘no thank you’? Or do we put it on the counter and wait a while before we respond, delaying our obedience?

Philippians 4:8 – Think about such things

This invitation is found in Philippians 4:8 NIV. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul writes these words:

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. 

We’re also told in Hebrews 3:1, “Fix your thoughts on Jesus.”

But really, when you think about it, the very first word is the biggest hang-up for us. “Fix” or as Lexico.com defines, fasten something securely in a particular place or position.

We have a shifting world with varying circumstances that clamor and cloud our thoughts. Our thought life is a battleground. It’s the wavering thoughts that lead us astray. 

To fix our thoughts, we need to securely fasten our minds on Jesus. This takes action and intent.

Think About These Things Verse

• Whatever is true
• Whatever is noble
• Whatever is right and pure
• Whatever is lovely and admirable
• Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy

Think About These Things Bible Verse – Whatever Is True: 

Another translation uses, “whatsoever things are true” and many wonder whatsoever things are true meaning.

To know what’s true and to “fix” or stay securely fastened, seek to meditate on the word. Otherwise, we fall for lies and false assumptions and open up the doorway for deceit.

It’s so important that we’re getting a daily dose of God’s living word into our lives each day, even if it’s a quick quiet time with God, something is always better than nothing.

Have you noticed the difference between the days when you are in God’s word versus the days you’re not?

I can always tell a major difference. I doubt more, have less patience, am easily tempted to follow the world, and overall, my day just isn’t the same had I taken the time to soak up and spend time with God through the Bible.

Truth grounds us.

When we do take the time, His truths are etched deeper into our hearts; they’re fixed more securely in place.

He takes what’s true and empowers us through His Spirit to believe these truths.

What’s true?

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

What is something of God that you know is true? 

Think about such things.

Think about these things bible verse – Whatever Is Noble:

What are noble things?

Merriam Webster defines noble as possessing outstanding qualities.

Hi, Jesus, you fit the bill perfectly.

Our noble King that came to earth as a servant. 

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:22-25

The NLT uses the word honorable in place of noble.

What things are honorable?

Merriam-Webster defines honorable as: deserving of respect, of high regard. Synonyms include decent, ethical, just, honest, principled, respectable.

To consider shows, music, and movies these days, are our choices honorable selections?

Think about such things.

Think About These Things Bible Verse – Right and Pure:

My thoughts go to newness of life and the purity of new birth when I think about what is right and pure.

I consider the righteousness that Jesus gives. When I stop to think about his willingness to make me right with God (2 Cor. 5:21)  I’m always overwhelmed by His love.

When you find yourself dwelling on past sins or struggling to let go of something He’s already completely forgiven you for, consider what His righteousness means to you.

Think about and study what newness of life is when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

What are pure and right things in your life?

Think about such things.

Related Post: The Good News of the Gospel

Think About These Things Bible Verse – Lovely and Admirable:

When I consider the word ‘lovely’, my thoughts go to creation. Just today, my son and I walked through our budding woods of spring and we were surrounded by the beauty and loveliness of creation.

When we seek out lovely and admirable things, we will find them. Seek out our Creator. Admire the gentleness of the Potter.

What has God placed in your life that is lovely and admirable? How do you know God as lovely and admirable?

Think about such things.

Think About These Things Bible Verse – Excellent or Praiseworthy:

Let’s fix our thoughts on the goodness of the Lord and meditate on the word. He is worthy to be praised!

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100

The power of praise is magnificent! When we consider the goodness of the Lord and thank Him for who He is and what He has done, our minds and hearts are completely transformed.

What do you consider excellent or praiseworthy? How can you fix your thoughts on praising God today?

Think about such things.

Think About Such Things Promise:

Finally, Paul ends this series with, “And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

Amen! 

The God of peace walks with you and is available to you each and every moment.

Related Post: 3 Promises of Peace to Cling To When Worried

That’s what our hearts are seeking – peace found only in God’s heart. It’s there that we find our security, shelter, and rest.

I hope you’ll join me today as we think about such things. It will make a world of difference when our thoughts are fixed and seeking after God’s heart.

Accept His invitation to think about such things today.

Call to Action:

Write Philippians 4:8 out on paper. This practice will help put God’s word on your heart and seep truth into you. Consider what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. When we are active in thought, we are accepting God’s invitation to join Him.

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