“Think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
The apostle Paul had a very rough life. He endured physical beatings, harassment and persecution, a shipwreck, and multiple imprisonments. Near the end of his life, he wrote the book of Philippians while in a Roman prison awaiting sentencing for preaching the gospel.
The book later became known as “the book of joy,” but undoubtedly, Paul was quite aware of the importance of good mental health in the face of opposition. He understood that followers of Christ must keep their minds on God regardless of circumstances.
Modern believers can have similar difficulties. Paul offers six pieces of sage advice that teach what believers should think about when they face trouble.
Think and Meditate
Though called “the book of joy,” the overall theme of Philippians is how to be more Christ-like. If Paul had any personal passion, that was it. He understood that Christ-like behavior is crucial to spiritual growth, beginning in the mind. Our thoughts dictate our actions and reactions to the circumstances around us. And in a world where believers battle the enemy every day, it is even more essential to set our thoughts firmly on God.
Paul’s instruction is not new. God first taught about the importance of setting one’s thoughts on Him in Deuteronomy in a passage known as the “Shema.”
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deut 6:6-9)
God instructed the people to meditate on His commandments so often that obedience would be automatic. Meditating means ” thinking deeply and focusing one’s mind; to mentally plan ” (Oxford Dictionary).” In other words, obedience comes by thinking deeply, focusing daily on God’s word, and mentally planning how to respond when the enemy attacks.
Daily seeking God allows Him to write His laws on our hearts so that they become a part of the essence of our character. The inside-out transformation renews our mind and, eventually, our entire life.
We become more and more like Christ.
Thinking About What We Think About
Paul taught the same lesson in Romans 12:2 in his letter to Roman believers. They had received little instruction from the apostles and needed to break free from the Roman way of thinking to embrace a Christ-like way of thinking. But it could only happen if they renewed their minds in the Lord.
“And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Rom 12:2)
Consistent study, prayer, and focus on the Scriptures are the only ways to allow the Holy Spirit to make that transformation.
“How can a young man cleanse his way? With my whole heart, I have sought You. Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Ps 119:9-11, see also v12-16)
Reading and meditating on God’s word are essential to mature spiritual growth. But so is thinking about what we are thinking about. Scientific studies say people can have tens of thousands of random (usually negative) thoughts in one day. But God calls believers to a higher standard.
We must take every thought captive (2 Cor 10:5), and Paul shows us how.
God is Truth
Our minds directly influence our habits and attitudes, which is why Paul commands us to “think about” godly virtues. In Philippians 4:8, he details six elements of spiritually healthy thoughts, beginning with truth.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true…”
All truth is found in God—in the Father (2 Tim 2:25), the Son (Eph 4:20-21), the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13), and God’s word itself (Jn 17:17). But modern culture screams the opposite. It tries to convince us that everyone has their own “truth.” What is true for one might not be true for another, which is supposed to be okay. It says we must simply accept each other’s truths and not judge. But God tells us otherwise.
God calls us to spiritually discern the truth in any situation (Mt 7:1-2). Discernment is not the same as judging; it determines right from wrong by comparing it against the word of God.
Satan easily corrupts human thoughts, but God’s truth overcomes the lies. Focusing on godly truth by studying God’s word helps us better develop a Christian mindset. When we seek godly truth, God renews our minds to be more like His.
Honor and Worship
“Whatever is honorable…”
The original Greek word for honorable is semnos, which has several meanings. Most commonly, scholars translate it as noble or reverent. Other meanings are respectable, dignified, and venerable. But semnos has a deeper meaning in Hebrew.
Semnos is an adjective based on the word sebomai, which means to adore or worship. Someone who thinks about “whatever is honorable” is someone who not only thinks and meditates about dignified or respectable things but also one who worships the one and only true God.
God calls us to a higher way of thinking. We must think about things that are sacred and worthy of adoration, but only God is worthy of such worship (Rev 5:12-13). He is the standard of measurement when we honor someone.
Think About Righteousness
“Whatever is just…”
“Just” is the root of “justice.” To think about things that are just means we must have a mind fixed on doing what is right and seeking godly justice. Doing right means we pursue God’s righteousness in our hearts so we can quickly and properly respond to situations that accurately reflect His character, even in challenging circumstances.
Micah 6:8 tells us,
“And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Faithful followers of Christ must practice righteousness daily. We must think not only of what is just but also practice it. As we determine it more in our minds, we are more united with God’s standard of holiness.
Pure and Lovely
“Whatever is pure…”
Everything about God is holy. He is utterly and thoroughly pure. As children of God made in His image (Gen 1:26), we, too, should strive for moral purity, innocence, and modesty.
Unfortunately, our sinful nature keeps us from achieving such holiness. But Jesus helps us get a little closer. He tore the veil that separated us from the Father and restored our fellowship with Him through His sacrificial death on the cross. He laid out the path that leads us toward the purity He desires for us. But the path is not enough. We must put purity into action by first meditating on it.
Our thoughts cause our reactions. If our minds are on God, and if they are pure, the resulting actions will be closer in line with God’s standard of holiness. Godly, pure thoughts help us resist things that are corrupt and defiled.
Thinking about purity should quickly lead us to think about the next thing on Paul’s list.
“Whatever is lovely…”
Pure things and things that are lovely are two sides of the same coin. The Greek term for lovely indicates things that are attractive and pleasing to God. Practically speaking, loveliness implies believers must practice kindness and grace, echoing the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23)
Things that are lovely and pleasing to God include a genuine concern for others by treating them with the same kindness and grace He shows us. Lovely thoughts translate into kind and gracious actions toward others, further sanctifying us in Christ.
Think and Practice Godly Excellence
“Whatever is commendable…”
The dictionary defines commendable (some translations say “good report”) as something praiseworthy or highly regarded. God repeats Himself with this command. He again tells us to think about and do honorable, pure, and lovely things—all commendable.
But commendable also means we must practice behaviors that others respect. Remember that thinking and doing “whatever is lovely” implies kindness, courtesy, and grace, all attributes even a fallen world values and highly regards.
Summing up his teaching, Paul then explains what God finds commendable in Philippians 4:8.
“If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Instead of “excellence,” some Bible translations say “virtue,” meaning something with high moral standards. Things worthy of praise can be excellent and have high moral value, but we must direct the praise toward God and not anyone else.
Whatever we want to praise must point back to Him and His glory. Only then is it commendable.
Finding Peace of Mind
Philippians 4:8 reminds us of God’s character and how it plays out in the life of every believer. We must,
- Reflect God’s truth in all circumstances
- Meditate on things that are worthy of God’s praise
- Pursue justice and righteousness
- Seek things that illustrate God’s loveliness
- Sincerely show respect and daily practice kindness, courtesy, and grace to others
- Direct everything worthy of praise back to God and His glory
In his final instruction, Paul offers believers a tremendous promise in verse eight.
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8-9, ESV)
If we think deeply, focus our minds on godly behavior, and put them into daily practice, God promises His peace will be with us. The world notices humility, respect, kindness, and grace, but our peace based on Christ dwelling within us is even more evident (see Phil 4:4-7).
Nevertheless, the enemy will try to corrupt our thoughts and steal our peace, making it vital to resist and make him flee (James 4:7). It begins by focusing our minds on God and daily practicing the elements of His character.
Our thoughts dictate everything we do. Let us think as God thinks so that our actions reflect His excellent goodness, mercy, and love toward others and give praise to the only One worth
