"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Phil. 4:8
How much time do we think on these things?
As I look at the list, it's pretty obvious what we are to think on. Let me explain by posing a question - can you think on something that is lovely that is not pure? Can you think on something that is right that is not honorable? Or can you think on something that is true that is not of good repute? What in the world is pure, honorable and of good repute all at the same time?
I think the above verse is simply a different way to say Colossians 3:2 - "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth."
Same author, just trying not to be repetitive.
So again, how much time do we think on these things? When we think on the things of God, we can't help but elevate our mind from the gossip and despair of this world - the dirty little details that make a story juicy aren't as appealing in the light of a holy and pure God. But for some reason (the flesh), we just love to hear the gossip. We love to believe the worst about people, and we just love a juicy story. It's almost disappointing to find that our assumptions aren't true - we'd rather set our minds on the things of the earth rather than the things that are holy and pure.
I am including myself in this group. It is a battle of the wills to not want to hear the gossip of this world. Even the most reputable news agency is filled with gossip and we are drawn to it like a magnet. I guess I am just saddened at how much I allow my mind to be drawn to this world in comparison to how much I purposefully set my mind on the things above.
It's an on going struggle but I will say this - when I do set my mind on Him, spend time with Him, refresh my soul in His living water and fill my head with His words, I have such a better day than when I fret about life, get busy with my to-do list and fill my head with the latest stories (local or national).
Friends, decided today to set your mind on God. Just like you set your alarm clock or set your oven timer or set the dinner table, put effort into it and set your mind on what is worthy of praise and excellence.
As a matter of fact, don't just think on them - DWELL on them.
Live there.
Allow holiness and purity to take up residence in your mind and see where it leads you...
It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday thinking of worldly stuff. Work, kids, news, T.V. health, the computer, everything draws us away from God and dwelling on His word. Its an effort on our part to stay focus on Him. Its all about Him and not about us. But in the end it is about us and His loving pursuit for our souls.
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ReplyDeleteThanks a mil Mrs. Wisen. I agree with Mrs. Wolbers. It's insanely easy to get caught up in everything going on around you that we forget who made it all and who is caring for us.
ReplyDeleteWe were made to worship Him and when we stop dwelling on Him and what He has done, our worship becomes lacking.
Hi, Danish...how's your summer going? What are you doing in the fall - GVSU? It's always good to hear from you! Are you gone the whole time Kathy's at my house or can we pull off a meet and greet?
ReplyDeleteMy summer is going great! :D Big stuff happening lately about college and stuff. I won't (yes, won't) be going to GVSU. I'm acutally really glad about that. I really wasn't comfortable with how everything was going with GVSU. I'll be using a program called College Plus instead.
ReplyDelete:(( Sadly I will be gone the whole time while she is here. Really big bummer. But can't do much about it.
We should really get together sometime!