What We Think ....

Scripture: Finally, brothers, 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. (Philippians 4:8)

It's so easy to read straight through scripture, sometimes like a good novel. Like I & II Samuel in the bible. These two books contain the story of David as a boy, becoming king, developing into a warrior, a man of God, his struggles, journeys, battles, romance, intrigue and deceit. (Sounds like the trailer for a really good action movie, doesn't it?) Crack open your bible! You'll see I'm not making it up!

On the other hand, much of the bible should be "consumed" in smaller amounts. Not just frivolously sped through, but meditated upon. Savored. Like the scripture above. Consider the list: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy. We are to "think about such things."

If this is our "assignment" - what IS true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy in our world today? What exactly should we be thinking of? I looked up each word in the dictionary. See what I discovered.

True: "...being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something ... conforming to or consistent with a standard, pattern, or the like;"

Noble: Have you ever wrapped your mind around something described as "noble"? "...of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence; lofty ... admirable in dignity of conception, manner of expression, execution, or composition."

Right: "In accordance with what is good, proper, or just ... a moral, ethical, or legal principle considered as an underlying cause of truth, justice, morality, or ethics."

Pure: "Free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind; free from extraneous matter", free from foreign or inappropriate elements", untainted with evil; innocent."

Lovely: "Having a beauty that appeals to the heart or mind as well as to the eye ... of a great moral or spiritual beauty."

Admirable: "worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection".

Praiseworthy: "deserving of praise; commendable"

So there you have it. I wish I knew biblical Greek, because I would love to know what the Greek definition of each of these were - because the Greeks have far deeper meaning in their language. But the English language doesn't mess around.

In the definition of "true" I found it interesting to see "...reflecting the essential or genuine character of something". For us, that Something can only mean the true and genuine character of Christ. As we become more Christ-minded - we can only radiate His presence in us. Replace the word "something" in the definition above with "Christ". Replace "with 'a' standard" to "with Christ's standard" and you get an idea of what true things we should be thinking about.

Noble. Wow. It is only through our relationship with Christ that we could come anywhere near having "exalted moral or mental character"! Exalted: raised, elevated, lofty. It is not through our own power we could have such strong moral and mental character. Imagine arriving in such a state. Not impossible, but lofty, indeed. I could only hope to think so nobly.

As Christians, we all try to lead the "right" kind of life; good, just and moral. Often it's all about listening to our conscience. That still, small voice that we call the Holy Spirit that tells us to either do something - or not. The hardest part is not only hearing the voice - but obeying it.

I believe purity comes from actively filtering out what we listen to or choose to watch through the various media we are involved with. It's my personal belief that purity is either developed or lost through the eyes and ears, because what we see and listen to can lead our actions; be it for good or for evil. Water, silver, gold are all purified by removing impurities. What impurities in your lives need to be filtered out? I believe thinking of one's purity makes one want to make changes in their lives!

Lovely can apply to the heart, mind, and soul as well as to the visual. The word "lovely" seems like such a feminine word. But the last part of the definition says "... of a great moral or spiritual beauty." I can't put words to this only to say the closer relationship one develops with Christ, the more one can't help but transform into a creature of beauty with high moral character and spirit within that will radiate through one's actions and encounters with others.

The definition above seems a little self serving for "admirable." But I have known strong Christians that I DO admire because I desire to have their characteristics. The word Jesus flows off their lips with such love, every thing they do is for others in a genuine way, they encourage others wherever they are. Christ in them POURS out upon believers and non-believers alike. This is admirable. This is something to think on - and figure out a way to walk so close to God that others KNOW you are a Christian without a doubt. And isn't that the kind of representative we want to be?

Who or what is more praiseworthy than God? But we can also lift up our sisters and brothers in the Lord who are on the right track, walking right, striving to better their spiritual lives, touching others, giving of themselves. Not that we praise THEM - but Christ IN them, causing them to be transformed by Christ in all they do.

Think on such things indeed! That's a long list that should keep us all busy for quite some time. There is a saying I heard long ago, "So you think, so shall you be." I'm not sure of the origin of that saying, but how true it is. The mind is a powerful tool God has given us. We can use it for good or for evil. We can use it in wise endeavors or waste it away.

What will YOU think about today? :)

Prayer: Lord, with each blog we read, the scriptures we learn from, the direction we get from You, we ask You to help us to become more and more like You. Help us to focus on the seven things you listed above and not let the world around us dictate what we should think or even worry about. Conform us, mind, body and spirit to be like You. Amen.

Prayer request: Though the news is bleak in the world today, the economy is bad and there are wars overseas; though we all have our personal, financial and emotional struggles, one thing is constant: Christ; never changing, always faithful. Pray for those who are less fortunate than we are. Draw closer to God and further from the media. And never, ever forget Who is really in control.