The Scripture tells us, “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)
We don’t have to venture very far to see doom and gloom at every turn. Thanks to smartphones, cable tv, social media, and other outlets, we have a steady stream of pessimism flowing into our life. We are living in a climate where negativity is the daily dish, fearful, difficult people are everywhere, and unpleasant events happen regularly. The way of the world is in complete opposition with Philippians 4:8.
The world’s message is whatsoever is false, whatsoever things are dishonest, whatsoever things are unjust, whatsoever things are impure, whatsoever things are ugly, whatsoever things are of bad report; if there be any godlessness, and if there be any reproach, broadcast it loudly. Where are you spending your time? What is dominating your thoughts? Do you feel hopeless?
God would not have commanded us to be positive if it were not possible for us to do so, despite negative conditions. When Paul wrote to the Philippian Church, he was in prison. The bottom line is we have a choice of what we set our mind upon, but WE HAVE TO MAKE THE CHOICE! When the enemy wants to entice a person into sin, he starts in the mind. Sin is conceived in the mind before it becomes action.
Instead of focusing on brokenness and uneasiness, set your mind on positive, healthy, godly things. In order to do this, it can be likened to “paddling up stream”. You will be going completely contrary to the world. A person will have to be intentional about focusing on positive, uplifting messages. Take responsibility for what you are “feeding” your mind. There is always an “on/off” switch.
I first heard the old adage, garbage in, garbage out years ago when computers were first coming onto the scene. The point, a computer can only be as “smart” as the data entered into it. If garbage goes in – garbage will come out.
Our minds are the same. If we are plugged into the sensualism of the world and all of the negativity, this becomes the diet of our thoughts. It will be impossible to have thoughts that are true, honest, lovely, and so on if our mind is feeding upon dishonesty, lies, godlessness, and reproach.
Make it a point to spend time in the Word of God. Mediate on His Promises. Sing hymns and praises when you are alone. Fill your day with good reports. Choose to go in the opposite direction of the world and turn off the news.
We are what we think!
Rhonda L. Smart, [email protected]
