Thinking About the Right Things

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:8-9

Sometimes it is nice to turn my mind off and just relax while watching a ball game.  However, sports are no longer just about the excitement of a last second victory.  Instead, even sports have focused on politics and a worldview that is often at odds with our view of God’s creation.  St. Paul encourages us to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.  Such thinking has becoming increasingly difficult in our culture today.  Our minds are inundated with the sights and sounds of culture that is hostile to Christ and His Church.  And Satan’s minions never rest.

This is one of the many reasons that the people of God need to be engaged in the ongoing study of God’s Word.  Thinking and meditating on the Word of God is how He transforms us to not be conformed to the pattern of this world.  Thinking and meditating upon the love of God in Christ helps us to understand the lengths to which God would go to redeem His wayward children.  Our congregations provide many opportunities for Bible study wherein we can think about God’s holy Word.

However, there are other good gifts from God on which we can think.  Such things on which we can think are art and literature, music, and nature.  God’s good first article gifts are seen all around us and provide us with opportunity for reflection and rest.  May God guide you to find those things on which you think that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.  Sometimes it takes work to find art and literature that fit such a description, but such things are truly a blessing from God and worth the search.  Therefore, when you find them, think about such things.

Prayer – O God, our Creator, every good and perfect gift comes from above.  By Your Holy Spirit, help us to think about those things are pure, honorable and worthy of praise that we might be blessed for continued service in Your name and for the sake of Your Kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan