Think on These Things

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

It is beyond our ability to control every thought that ever enters our minds. However, we do have control over what we dwell upon. This passage of scripture gives us a kind of filter for our thoughts. We are given eight qualifiers that we may use to determine whether a particular thought is worthy of our time. First, it must be true. Much of what crosses our paths simply isn’t true. The untrue is ruled out. Second, it must be honest. It may be true that someone stole a large sum of money from his employer, but it was not an honest deed, so we should not dwell on it. Third, it must be just. If it is true that life isn’t fair, then there are a lot of things that happen in life that we shouldn’t spend a great deal of time thinking about. Fourth, it must be pure. The standard for purity is the holiness of God and His Word. This guideline excludes a whole host of things. Fifth, it must be lovely. This word is used here in the sense of something that is acceptable; not only acceptable to God, but also acceptable to you. Sixth, it must be of good report; so bad news is out. Seventh, it must be something of virtue. These are positive attributes, excellent things. Eighth, it must be worthy of praise. It must be commendable. A thought that passes these eight tests is definitely something that is worth thinking about.