Think On These Things
Possibly the greatest battle we face, every day, is the battle that takes place in our minds. Our thoughts are fueled by how we physically feel, the prejudices we carry and judgments that have taken root in our soul. The health of our personal relationships is largely determined by the thoughts we give ourselves permission to hold on to regarding the other person(s).
In a season where we are hard pressed to hear truthful, encouraging and edifying things, it is all the more important that we set our mind on those things that are fostering and promoting life, righteousness and love.
The Book of Philippians, written by the Apostle Paul, is loaded with instruction about unity, relationships, commitment, sacrifice and servitude. Chapter four addresses the specific conflict between Euodia and Syntyche. He requested a peacemaker to help these servants resolve their issues. In verse two he charged them “to be of the same mind.” These saints carried an important role in carrying out the message of the Gospel in Phillippi. There was certainly no tolerance for conflict in the Christian community.
Paul was very aware that unresolved conflicts, by nature, will grow with the capability of bringing great destruction. The conflict usually begins with just two people, then if unresolved, those conflicts enlarge like the ever-expanding water rings caused by a stone thrown into a pond.
God created us uniquely. Our world works because of differences in personality and thoughts. Having differences of opinion is very healthy, but when the differences of opinion turn to battling, they have now become harmful and destructive and will not glorify God. Giving place to and entertaining negative vicious thoughts will open the door for even more destructive thoughts. In a short time, just one thought can and will exponentially multiply into hundreds of negative thoughts, which in turn, may open the door for demonic activity which can gain a foothold in a person’s life. Where you have vain imaginations, chaos, and conflict, you are sure to find Satan’s involvement.
Eph.4:29-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk (Grk. reasonings) come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Given man’s fallen, carnal nature, unhealthy thoughts will take place. The more a person yields to the Holy Spirit’s work and does what God’s Word says to do, eliminating those thoughts becomes much easier. This is not “mind over matter” but it is the action of choosing obedience to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit over our soul (mind, will and emotion).
Phil.4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 (reason) about such things.
Hear are the simple Greek definitions for the things Paul exhorts to think about. Changing what we think about will change our life. Think on “these” things…
True – That which is in the open or not covered up
Noble – That which is honest
Right – That which is just and equitable
Pure – That which is chaste, clean, modest and proper
Lovely – That which is friendly towards and acceptable
Admirable – That which has a good report or reputable
Excellent – That which is praise-worthy and virtuous
As Paul points out, if you put into practice these things… The God of peace will be with you.
You are loved!
In a season where we are hard pressed to hear truthful, encouraging and edifying things, it is all the more important that we set our mind on those things that are fostering and promoting life, righteousness and love.
The Book of Philippians, written by the Apostle Paul, is loaded with instruction about unity, relationships, commitment, sacrifice and servitude. Chapter four addresses the specific conflict between Euodia and Syntyche. He requested a peacemaker to help these servants resolve their issues. In verse two he charged them “to be of the same mind.” These saints carried an important role in carrying out the message of the Gospel in Phillippi. There was certainly no tolerance for conflict in the Christian community.
Paul was very aware that unresolved conflicts, by nature, will grow with the capability of bringing great destruction. The conflict usually begins with just two people, then if unresolved, those conflicts enlarge like the ever-expanding water rings caused by a stone thrown into a pond.
God created us uniquely. Our world works because of differences in personality and thoughts. Having differences of opinion is very healthy, but when the differences of opinion turn to battling, they have now become harmful and destructive and will not glorify God. Giving place to and entertaining negative vicious thoughts will open the door for even more destructive thoughts. In a short time, just one thought can and will exponentially multiply into hundreds of negative thoughts, which in turn, may open the door for demonic activity which can gain a foothold in a person’s life. Where you have vain imaginations, chaos, and conflict, you are sure to find Satan’s involvement.
Eph.4:29-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk (Grk. reasonings) come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Given man’s fallen, carnal nature, unhealthy thoughts will take place. The more a person yields to the Holy Spirit’s work and does what God’s Word says to do, eliminating those thoughts becomes much easier. This is not “mind over matter” but it is the action of choosing obedience to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit over our soul (mind, will and emotion).
Phil.4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 (reason) about such things.
Hear are the simple Greek definitions for the things Paul exhorts to think about. Changing what we think about will change our life. Think on “these” things…
True – That which is in the open or not covered up
Noble – That which is honest
Right – That which is just and equitable
Pure – That which is chaste, clean, modest and proper
Lovely – That which is friendly towards and acceptable
Admirable – That which has a good report or reputable
Excellent – That which is praise-worthy and virtuous
As Paul points out, if you put into practice these things… The God of peace will be with you.
You are loved!
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