Guarding and Building Your Thought-Life

After having explained WHAT we should think about according to Philippians 4:8, “Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, if they have any excellence, and are worthy of praise, think on these things.” Here is a way to guard your thoughts according to the will of God for your mindset, and to build a God-directed perspective. Here is the application of this verse: Make a list. When you are hit with anything negative, such as doubt, bitterness, hopelessness, despair, etc., recall Philippians 4:8 and consider: “What is the truth with what I just faced? Let’s say for example, you had a conflict with a family member. The negative thoughts begin to swirl around in your head, accusing that person, or feeling bitterness, shame or guilt yourself.

Begin with the first thought from P48 (Philippians 4:8) “What is True?” You are in a conflict – that is true – and what does God’s word have to say? He has everything under control. He actually plans good for you! (Jeremiah 29:11) He knew this was coming and He trusts you with this situation. He can work it out as you partner with Him (Romans 8:28). Another truth in the situation is that God is showing you what fruit of the Holy Spirit He wants you to use. Is it love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, or self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Next, what is honest? Is it that you were wrong somehow? Do you need to apologize? Is it honest that you were offended? Are you bitter? Are you ashamed? Take what is honest and ask the Spirit of God to give you His gentle conviction of what to do next. Then take that step.

What is Just (justice-oriented)? Do you need to forgive – whether person-to-person, and/or confess your forgiveness to the Lord Himself? Do you need to ask forgiveness for something you have said or done? Let justice be done with mercy – this is God’s heart.

What is pure? First of all the love of Jesus for you and for the person you are in conflict with. Jesus Christ shed His pure, precious, powerful blood for you both. Are your thoughts pure towards this person? What do you need to do to think in a more pure fashion about this situation – go to the Word of God? Worship? Confess? Pray? Call? Talk?

What is lovely? While this may seem an interesting concept at this point, it is very important. Truly, what is lovely about this situation? This requires you to think and see “outside of the box.” We get trapped with our focus when we are hurt and upset, so the Lord wants us to think further. What is lovely? HE IS. In spite of the situation, God is beautiful beyond description. Even in the hardest, darkest of trials, He is enthroned in splendor and beauty… we can choose to see HIM and take our eyes off all else. Additionally, each person is truly lovely to the Lord – oh, maybe not a particular attitude or action, but certainly his love for them as described in Psalm 139:13-18. God speaks of our beautiful created selves. It is stunning. Can you apply that in your present situation? Try…

What is admirable? Is it you? Is it he way you are willing to change your attitude and perspective to see what God sees? Is it the other person – willing to talk and confront? Is it the way you will now walk out a Godly response that seems very hard? It is ok to note that your own actions honor God as admirable – he is glorified by this.

What is excellent? Similar to the idea of what is admirable, is there an excellence somewhere, or is it forthcoming? Will you choose a more excellent way? Will you offer a more excellent way for the other person? Does God have a more excellent plan of escape from the trial you are in? Remember, Paul wrote to the Corinthian church that, “…God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear and with each temptation with provide a way of escape so that you may bear up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

What is worthy of praise? God is! He knows you and your situation. He promises to “…never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). There is total forgiveness as the Apostle John wrote, “But if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive all of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He is leading you and wants you to grow in your character and in love. (Philippians 2:13, and James 1:2-4)

By the time you have walked even part way through the list of mindset actions in Philippians 4:8 your attitude, focus, peace, and perspective should have changed. If not, check your emotions and you will probably need to release an offense – forgive – then move on again.

This is how you guard your mindset and thought-life. This is how you build truth and a God-directed perspective.

Next up, “The War in your Head”