"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8
One of the beautiful things about the Word of God is that God does not expect us to do something without telling us how to do it. He is very fair with his commands and expectations. He loves us, and he wants us to grow.
Believers, what we think about is vital! If we do not guard our hearts, we will end up thinking about things that will drag us down in our spiritual lives. Did you know that thinking about the right things is not automatic for a believer? We must train our minds to consider the way that God wants us to think.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
In other words, God will help us, with His peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ. And we know that God’s Word will guide us, but we must put in the effort ourselves – verse eight.
Here are eight kinds of things that we must be thinking about:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever, things are true.”
We think about whatever is in agreement with God’s unchangeable and eternal truth. Note, we do not dwell on the false, but only on what is the truth.
“Whatsoever things are honest.”
We think about honorable things that are significant, dignified, and reputable. These are good thoughts.
“Whatsoever things are just.”
We think about whatever is in agreement with righteousness and justice. This has to do with what we owe God, others, and ourselves. This is about the right thoughts.
“Whatsoever things are pure.”
We think about whatever is innocent regarding ourselves. We are striving to keep our thoughts and actions pure.
“Whatsoever things are lovely.”
We think about the kinds of things that are pleasing and dear to anyone. We are endeared to people who think and act this way.
“Whatsoever things are of good report.”
We think about things that are reputable that reasonable people hold in high regard, virtue, courtesy, kindness, and respect…
“If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
We think about things that are virtuous and praiseworthy that promote the general good of mankind.
The Lord will help us, but we must put in the effort to think about the kinds of things He says we ought. This means we also put in the effort to avoid and get rid of from our minds the things that will destroy us. We must be diligent at guarding our hearts.