“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.” -Phil 4:9-11

All through the Bible, you learn what God wants you to think about, and what God does not want you to think about. He even tells you to have His mind in every situation (Phil 2:5). That’s deep! If you’re thinking like God then you’re acting like God in every situation.

Whatever you think on continually, that is what you will eventually end up doing (Prov 23:7). This is why TV commercials have become one of the most successful marketing strategies in our country and the most expensive. Commercials are designed to influence you to buy the product advertised. They are played repetitively between programs and include some form of enticement to cause you to think about it until you want the product. It’s successful because, without them realizing it, they are capitalizing on a biblical principle. It’s expensive, because business owners know that the profits gained are well worth the high prices paid to advertise.

Remember, whatever you think on continually, that is what you will eventually end up doing (Prov 23:7). Think back! Can you remember the times you did something wrong? Ask yourself. What was I thinking about right before I did that? Where did those thoughts come from? If the devil can get you to think wrong, he can get you to act wrong. That’s why one piece of the armour of God is the helmet of salvation (Eph 6:17). Get it? The spiritual helmet is to protect your mind from ungodly thoughts. Now what have you been thinking about a lot lately? Good things or bad things? Watch yourself. Well, what am I suppose to do about those bad thoughts? I’m so glad you asked! Think on these things . . .

Recognize the thoughts will come, determine now what you will do with them. Depending on what you do with those thoughts will determine whether you’re living that abundant and free life or whether you’re letting the devil bombard your mind. If the devil can get you to think wrong, he can get you to act wrong. If only David had done the holy turn and looked in the opposite direction from Bathsheba, his and her whole life would have been totally different. As a result, he continued to think on wrong things which continued to influence his wrong behavior (2 Sam 11). So what am I suppose to do with those bad thoughts? I’m glad you asked again!

Philippians 4:8 gives us eight categories that our thoughts should fit in. If it is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, a good report, virtuous, or of praise, only think on these things. If they do not fit in these categories then toss them out of your mind. Replace those bad thoughts with good thoughts. Here are some ways to think like Christ and have the mind like Christ. If thoughts of fear come, replace it with thoughts of what the Bible says about fear. God has not given us the spirit of fear and the righteous are bold (2 Tim 1:7; Prov 28:1). If thoughts of unforgiveness come, replace them with thoughts of forgiving your brother endlessly (Matt 18:21-22) because Christ forgives you every time (I John1:9). Also meditating on scripture pertaining to forgiveness will renew your mind (Matt 18:23-35). We are told to keep the Bible before our eyes and ears, it affects our life (Prov 4:20-21, 25-27). One good place to start is to memorize Philippians 4:8, the think on these things verse.

Prayer:
“Father, I thank you for the holy scriptures that have the power to change and renew my mind. Help me to think on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, a good report, virtuous, and of praise. When I think right, I will act right. May my desire be to please you in all that I do and say. Help me to think like Christ and let His mind be in me. In Jesus Name, Amen!”