Think on These Things

“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 (NIV).

Paul the Apostle was about to sign off his letter of instruction to the church at Philippi. He earnestly wanted them to have a mind-set that would insure a genuine Christian life. Think on these things, he said: “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy”—fill your mind with these thoughts.

“To think” means to weigh seriously. Think about good, noble, true, righteous, praiseworthy, excellent, lovely, admirable things—and all are gifts from God’s heart of love. When ugly doubts and depressing thoughts enter, bid them scatter immediately. Replace them with the thoughts that lift you to God.

I am now reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. An unusual title about a book on the theme of God’s amazing, relentless and pursuing love for each of us! It is time for us to relinquish anemic love for God and love Him wholeheartedly. I think about how much He loves me! Like His peace I wrote about yesterday, His love is also “beyond understanding.” Accept it! Embrace it as the most genuine and giving love known in all the expanse of Earth and Heaven! And God wants each one of us to participate in His love, know how genuine, how giving, how all-encompassing His love is. No matter where I go, what circumstance I am in, that love reaches me, enfolds me, sustains and lifts me.

Think on these things! God brings them to our mind for enlightenment, edification and enjoyment. Selah!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Monday, January 18, 2010