Digging Deeper: Think Excellent Thoughts
8 “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”
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
THINK EXCELLENT THOUGHTS
I don’t know about you, but if I focused my thinking solely on the areas Paul lists in verse 8, my mind would be exhausted by the end of the day! However, I believe my mind would be that good kind of tired—like after a full day on the slopes in bright sunshine, the warm hug from Grandma after a long journey, or coming face-to-face with our risen Savior at the end of a long race. Paul is reminding his readers to focus their mental energy on the things that matter—those that have eternal significance.
Think on Whatever Is:
True – The actuality of something. Truth is not relative but absolute—the truth of God’s Word, embodied in the Living Word, Jesus.
Honorable (Greek: worthy of respect) – Worthy of reverence. Do not waste time on trivial, temporal, or earthly thoughts.
Just – Righteous; that which conforms to the perfect standard of God, as revealed in His Word.
Pure – Chaste, innocent, morally clean; able to stand the scrutiny of God. Purity conforms us to the image of Christ.
Lovely – Endearing, lovable, amiable, pleasing, and winsome. These qualities make us more attractive to others for Christ’s sake—not for our own gratification.
Commendable (of good report) – Highly regarded; thoughts that are noble and uplifting, which not only build up ourselves but, more importantly, build up others.
Excellence (Virtue) – Demonstrated by living as God intended, for His purpose and glory—to the honor of Christ and for the reputation of the Gospel in the world.
Praiseworthy – Not for our own accomplishments, but so that others may see and understand the true source of our praiseworthy actions.
I challenge you to take a few moments and think on these things. If you are like me, the image that embodies every single one of these characteristics is Jesus.
He came as the Word of Truth.
He is worthy of our reverence.
He brings justice to the world.
He is the perfect image of His Father.
He is lovable—and loves us in return.
He is highly regarded, the name above all names.
He lived a virtuous life, perfectly following His Father’s will.
He is infinitely worthy of our continuous praise!
Digging Deeper (er):
Col 3:1-2; Rom 12:2-3; Rom 8:5.
Phil Meade is a father of 3, and grandfather of 5. He has a Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NS. He retired after 8 years as an Air Force pilot, and 33 years as a Delta pilot.