think about these things

Philippians 4:8...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things

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Freedom is something we especially cherish in America and in many countries and cultures around the world.  Freedom has been fought for over the centuries...freedom from oppression, tyranny and cruelty.  Perhaps the ultimate freedom that we have is the freedom to think about whatever we choose.  And we do have that freedom.  Most waking moments of the day we can think about whatever we want to.  Of course we must apply our minds to our work, to family care, to solving problems in front of us and planning for the future.  But a large part of the day permits freedom to choose our thought focus.

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And so the apostle Paul provides a wonderful checklist of things to think about.  Each of them has its base set in the Lord.  From that list we see: truth, honor, justice, purity, loveliness, commendability, excellence, and praise worthiness.  Just ahead of this passage, in verses 6 and 7 he provides a key to having these kinds of thoughts:

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Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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As we turn our anxious thoughts into thankful and hopeful prayers we experience a peace that transcends the ability of our minds to understand and provides the protection our minds need to have healthy thoughts.  When our thoughts become prayers, our mind is in the healthiest place.

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Now that is true freedom!

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blessings,

Rob Smith

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"Death is inevitable.  Life is a choice!"

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."