Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
This verse tells us to be careful what we think about. There are good things you can think about that are as nourishing and refreshing as a drink of cool, clean water. Then there are dark, sinful things you can think about that are as toxic and venomous as a swig of poison. Be careful what you allow into your mind.
When you are watching TV or cruising social media, choose what are you going to allow into your mind. Ask yourself, "Is the media I'm consuming making my mind a better or worse place? Is the entertainment I'm taking in making me more or less Christ-like?"
This applies also to the thoughts you choose to entertain. If you allow yourself to think wicked, judgmental, arrogant, or sinful thoughts about other people, then that is sinful. Thinking such thoughts pollutes your mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to, “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” You must literally capture sinful thoughts and kick them out of your mind.
God commands you to keep your mind clean, to fill it with good things. So, what kinds of things should you think about? Philippians 4:8 tells us. It says you should think about what’s true. Think about what you know is true. Think about what the Bible teaches you is true. It says you should think about what’s noble and right and pure and lovely and admirable and excellent and praiseworthy. Don’t think about sinful or shameful things. Don’t think about wicked things. Think good and righteous thoughts! And if your mind has become polluted, ask for forgiveness, and ask God to renew your mind, to give you the mind of Christ (Romans 12:2 & 1 Corinthians 2:16).
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