Think on These Things
Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” God longs for us to think right. If we think right; we live right! Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . . .” No wonder Paul says in Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
There are eight words in Philippians 4:8 that will help us steer our minds in the “right” direction.
1. True: An Adjustment to Reality
In Ephesians 6:14, we are commanded to be “girt” or belted with the truth. This was the ordinary garment put on before the soldier puts on his armour for battle. By the same token, if we do not move in the realm of truth as an undergarment of our life we will not be fit for battle. I remember our mother used to warn my brother and myself to make sure that what was worn under our outer clothes was just as nice and clean because in case we were involved in an accident we wouldn’t be embarrassed. I know that we could inject a little humor at this point, but allow me to make a serious point. We will be discovered for who we are, if not in this lifetime, then at the judgment bar of Christ. May everything we say or do be based and anchored in the truth. This brings special meaning to the axiom we hear when someone says, “Get real!”
2. Honest: A Veneration of Nobility in Character
May we not be honest only when forced into honesty or honest only when it would benefit us, but this kind of honesty comes from a heart committed to the truth no matter what the cost! Kenneth Wuest says this person invites reverence and noble action. His very life becomes a magnet of honesty rather than repelling honesty.
3. Just: Possessing a Sense of Fair-Play
It becomes difficult defining these words because a few of them are synonyms of one or more words in our list. Therefore, I’m looking for the differentiating factor between these words that will make them unique in our list. The unique definition in the word “just” is rendering to each one his due; in other words, a sense of fair-play. Let us be fair and walk intimately with those who are fair and not cheaters. Our thinking process should be how can we bless people, not use people.
4. Pure: The Highest Quality of Morality
In Greek this word suggests that which is stainless. Some thoughts leave a stain, which is difficult to erase. Too often the best is exchanged for the good. A lot of things we do in life have a taint of wrong in them. It is far better to entertain those things that are stainless in their import, rather than tolerating the right things mixed with wrong. Go for the best, not just the tolerably good.
5. Lovely: Accentuating the Positive
It is proper that this word falls next in our list. Years ago I believe Bing Crosby (or someone in his era) made famous a song that said, “Eliminate the negative, accentuate the positive, and don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.” This word means acceptable, pleasing, having an innate beauty, and wholly admirable. One scholar said that lovely means one who excites love and endears himself to those who excite love.
By law of substitution we need to eliminate the negative by accentuating the truly positive in life. Substitute selfishness with unselfishness; pride with humility; anger with patience.
6. Good Report: Applauding the Positive
This means speaking auspiciously or speaking good words. Human nature gravitates at times to bad news the way buzzards flock to carrion. Christians need to be feeding on the Word of God and good reports. Life gives enough burdens without inviting the burden of gossip, rumor, and general discontentment. Should we feed on verbal carrion we will invoke emotional indigestion.
7. Virtue: Continuation in the Positive
Virtue suggests that one has chosen the route of moral excellence so often that it has now become habitual. Modesty, uprightness, and integrity become the natural, consistent reflex for the virtuous person. The Bible says in Proverbs 31:10, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
8. Praise: Excavating the Positive
The act of praise is not a mere act of emotional response, it is a solid decision of the will. The Bible says, “I will praise the Lord!” (Psalm 7:17, 111:1, 118:19). Praise is the act of finding someone doing the right thing and complimenting them for it with enthusiasm. Since God always does the right thing, He is worthy of continual praise. Don’t forget, however, to exhort one another with praise to keep the positive thought patterns flowing in other people as well as yourself.
-Pastor Pope-