Philippians 4:6-9
Verse 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
During our time together yesterday we talked about applying peace to our lives and that Paul had given his readers some helpful tips. Verse 8 in our reading today is an often quoted passage but we may not take it as much to heart as we should, and the amount of anxiety in the world shows most don’t live out this formula for peace. If we want true peace in our lives, we must take these things to heart and build our lives around them.
This isn’t a fail-proof formula that will make all the hard times become all butterflies and puppies, but it will help us regain perspective that will help us set our focus on the Lord and each one will help us live out the peace we find in Him. It is no mistake that Paul started out the list with truth. If we are looking at the truth of the matter at hand, we will find it easier to keep the anxiety at arm’s length. Looking for truth allows us to more clearly see the big picture.
The next thing on the list to think about is that which is noble, which may be better translated as honorable. Thinking about honorable things keeps our minds from thinking about things which are not godly. As our thoughts reflect our heart and will likely come out of our mouths eventually, it is best to guard our thoughts. We are to keep our thoughts pure which is also on this list from Paul. Every sinful act begins with our thoughts and so it is important to make sure they are reflecting the Lord.
We also need to be making sure what we think is right. This is more than merely if it is true but is it right to think about it. There are many things which may be true but don’t need to be dwelt on. Paul also points out that we should be thinking about what is admirable. He doesn’t want us wasting our time thinking about things which will bring down our mood or tarnish our spirit. And we can’t miss that Paul said to think about things which are lovely. This doesn’t seem too hard when God provides many beautiful things for us to see every day.
Paul closed out the list with the reminder to put all these things in practice and then the God of peace would be with us. When we think about the things on Paul’s list we will know God’s peace and will be living it too.
Making It Personal
What kinds of things dominate your thinking? Are there any of the things on Paul’s list that you need to work on in your own life? What are you going to think about today?
Making It Personal Kids
What kinds of things do you think about? Are there things you think about that God wouldn’t want you thinking about? What do you need to think about today?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the reminder of how to keep our focus on the things You deem worthy so we can enjoy the peace only You can give. Help us make wise thought choices. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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