Think About Such Things

As hard as we try to do the things that bring honor and glory to God, we can easily get frustrated by our sin nature which continually causes us to stumble. We can help ourselves in this struggle by remembering that our actions are always preceded by our thoughts. What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. These words and actions both have the power to build others up or tear others down.

Philippians 4:8 says, 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. The Apostle Paul tells us to program our minds on the things that will produce godly thoughts, which in turn will produce godly words and actions. If we struggle with impure thoughts we need to examine what we are putting into our minds through television, books, movies, magazines and even conversations and eliminate anything harmful.

Paul was keenly aware that the prime battleground for spiritual warfare is located in our minds. Above all else, we must stay connected to our Heavenly Father through prayer and reading His Word. We need to ask God to help us focus our minds on what is good and pure. It isn't always easy, but by realizing we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), it can be done.