Finally, brothers, 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.

Phil. 4:8 NASB

How long has it been since you really thought much about honor or purity or excellence? And how do such words as these translate into actions that can be lived out in our cool, careless culture? 

The last thing Paul wanted for Christ followers was to fit in. When he encouraged the Philippians believers to “shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” (Phil 2:16), he didn’t expect them to buy their own batteries. The only power any of us has is the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. Our part is to listen to His voice: He will supply the power. The verb phrase, “dwell on.” in the above verse, can also be translated “center your mind,” “focus,” “don’t ever stop thinking.” 

Paul understood the transformative power of our thought life: we are always thinking about something. Paul’s goal wasn’t a 15 minute quiet time, then on with the day. As believers, “we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Such obedience is the goal of a lifetime.

We must never forget that while that power is transformative, it is also redemptive. As long as we are alive, there is a next minute and a new opportunity to think better and do better. Confess and reject the wrong and submit your thoughts, words and selves to the power of the Spirit’s guidance.

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow up in your salvation…that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:1,2,9).                                  

Nancy Shirah