THE DESIGN OF OUR THOUGHTS
Philippians 4:8 "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."
What we think, directly influences how we feel; how we view the world; and how we behave. Therefore, we are definitely products of our thoughts. Our verse of focus is encouraging us to monitor our thoughts. In order to do so, we must guard well the avenues of our minds, which are our five senses.
The paths of our minds must be illuminated by truth. The only source of truth is in God's Word, the Bible. In order to think on the things that are true, we must seek to be familiar with God's Word. Let it be our constant guide and compass.
The channels of our minds must be filled with the things that are honest. Honesty is the character quality that speaks to dignity, sincerity and fairness. When we think on things that are honest, our actions and our lifestyles will glorify God.
The chambers of our minds must be furnished with things that are just; things that are right. God is just and He alone can enable us to live justly. When we embrace God's principles of righteousness, our thoughts and our actions will reveal, that we have an experiential relationship with Him.
The conduit of our minds must be filled with things that are pure. Purity of thought prevents us from being engaged in greed, covetousness and immorality. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, our daily aspirations will be to please God in all of our actions.
The way to our minds must be paved with things that are lovely and are of good report. When we allow our minds to dwell on lovely things, we are in a position to enjoy the beauty and richness of life. We become attracted to; and seek to live; a lifestyle that gives glory to God, the Creator, who made all things bright and beautiful. Loveliness of thought wrestles depression, negativity and evil surmising ( a resistance of truth), to the ground and enables us to live joyfully, happily and peacefully. The outflow is a good report, that is, our lives will display the attributes of Christian behaviour and we would be the light that God wants us to be.