101: Thinking

What goes on in our minds shapes everything we do, from our actions and emotions, to our spiritual failures and spiritual growth. I believe that so much of what goes on in our mind has a foundation in what we have trained ourselves to think about.

In the movie The Matrix, Neo was given the option to take the blue pill or the red pill. By taking the blue pill, he would remain comfortable and ignorant or reality. By taking the red pill, life may not be easy, but he would be living with a true understanding of the world.

We recently studied Romans 12:2.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

We are often tempted to live as if we've taken the blue pill, conforming to the world, seeing things from that perspective. But notice the alternative - renewing our mind. We need to see the truth in things, so we can see the world clearly, from God's perspective.

Ephesians 4:23 says something similar.

Ephesians 4:23 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

So both verses tell us to not be conformed to our former manner of life, the way of the world, but to transform our mind, to renew our mind. How can we do that?

I think Philippians 4:8 gives us an idea about how to do that.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

We are told to dwell on these things. The word dwell in Greek implies to take an inventory, to reason with, and to think about. When you take an inventory, you make sure to account for everything. When you have spent time thinking about a subject, you account for every aspect of it.

You've heard that cows chew their cud. What that means is that cows eat their food, and then regurgitate it, and chew it again, so make sure they have gotten all the nutrients out of it. We need to, in our mind, chew the cud on these topics, spending time to digest it, to get all the spiritual nutrients out of them that we can.

Let's look at what we should regularly be dwelling on, so that our minds will be transformed.

1. Whatever Is True

God's Word is the basis for all truth.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

Fill your mind with God's truth, not the lies of the world. The best way to do this is, when reading God's word, think about what it means, and compare it to how the world thinks.

2. Whatever Is Honorable

Honorable means worthy of respect, worthy of being honored.

1 Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Spend time thinking of how people can be honored, and what you could do to honor others, and to be honorable.

3. Whatever Is Right

Right refers to what is just, righteous, and aligned with God's laws.

Matt 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Focus on pride, because, in general, all sin results from pride. Focus on humility, seeking the best for others, and what that looks like.

Examine your heart and confess anything that is not right before God. Seek humility.

4. Whatever Is Pure

Purity means being living a holy life. God is holy, and wants us to be holy.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Take a look at your heart, and the things that distract you from God. Determine to be pure in your relationships with women and how you look at them.

Think of what it means to view women as God wants you to. Do this in a regular basis, so you don't get distracted in the wrong way.

5. Whatever Is Lovely

Lovely means pleasing, kind, and full of love and grace.

Prov 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Take time to think about what it is like when you speak or hear kind words. Think about the way you have talked to others recently, and what lovely speech is like.

Determine to only speak words that bring peace and encouragement to others.

Also, fill your life with things that is lovely to God.

What things are lovely to God? Spend time thinking about this.

6. Whatever of Good Repute

Admirable means worthy of respect and commendation. It is important to look good in the eyes of others.

Matt 5:16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Think about how Jesus interacted with others, and why He got such respect while He walked the earth.

Spend time thinking of people or things or actions that you respect, and why you respect them. Think of actions of the world, and why they are not worthy of respect. Make decisions on how you want to live.

7. If Anything Is Excellent or Praiseworthy

Excellence and praiseworthiness refer to things that bring glory to God.

1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

What would it be like if you stretched for excellence in your work, relationships, and faith? Think about what excellence means in each area of your life, and what God wants.

Philippians 4:8 reminds us that what we think about shapes our lives. By focusing on truth, honor, righteousness, purity, love, and excellence, we can experience peace, joy, and a closer relationship with God, and be the person God wants us to be, and who others want us to be.

Pause, sit down, and spend some time thinking about these things. It will renew your mind. Do it daily.