Think on These Things

Think On These Things

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. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

The Christian has been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) and a sound, well disciplined mind (2 Tim. 1:7), therefore, we are to make godly choices about what to think.

The right choices will cause our thoughts to seek out those things that are true. Actually, this word alhthv alethes calls us to be lovers of truth and those that speak the truth. We are to be lovers of those of honorable character, semnos, and who live lives in keeping with the commands of God (just, dikaios) and are, therefore in right standing with Him.

Pure things, hagnos, are those which excite reverence and are pure from carnality, chaste, clean, modest and without falsity. Those things that are, prosphiles, lovely, that is, acceptable and pleasing are also to be considered.

We are to set our minds on those things that are, euphemos, of good report. In other words, only listening to or speaking words that are favorable and bring about good success.

We are to seek out those things that, arete, bring about a virtuous course of thought, feeling and action or have to do with any particular moral excellence, such as modesty or purity. In every situation and as concerns everyone that we come in contact with, we should seek to find what is epainov epainos, praise worthy and commendable.

How different would be our lives and the lives of those with whom we spend our time each day if we would just "think on these things."