RPG Adults
THINK ON THESE THINGS (1)
THURSDAY, JUNE 15
Philippians 4:8
James 3:13-18
“…think on these things.”
THINK ON THESE THINGS (1)
We all understand the importance of one’s thoughts. You may have heard this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.” He may not have been a Christian, but his observation on this matter is certainly quite accurate. As Christians who desire to live a life that brings glory to God, we must be very careful about our thoughts. An undisciplined thought life will lead us down the pathways of many sins. As we know, God is certainly not just concerned about our actions and our outward appearances. He is also interested in our thoughts, our desires, our hopes, and our aspirations.
One major theme that Paul had been addressing throughout this epistle is the importance of one’s thinking. He had been continually exhorting them to be of the same mind, to be likeminded one with another, and to have the mind of Christ. Now in this final section, he gave some final closing bits of fatherly advice that he wanted to impart to the church which was so dear to him, focusing again on the thoughts of a believer.
He gave a list of eight things that Christians are to dwell and fix their minds upon. The phrase “think on these things” is given in the present tense, describing a continuous thinking that we ought to have. The Greek word for “think” means more than just to have your mind musing upon these ideas, but it describes careful study, a deliberate reckoning of a matter.
These are very good guidelines for all of us, marking out clear boundaries as to what our minds ought to ponder and deliberate upon. Anything that falls outside of this list, or is contrary to it, is something that Christians must reject. But whatsoever (as many as are, or as far as) things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, with virtue or praise, we must think upon these things.
THOUGHT: What occupies my thoughts throughout the day?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the discipline to guard my thoughts, that they will always be pleasing and glorifying to Thee.