What Do You Think About?

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)

The world vies for control of our minds. What would the enemies of the Lord have you focus on? Whatever is scandalous? Whatever is worthy of gossip? Whatever is selfish? Whatever is malicious? When someone commits evil and sin, we have a tendency to focus on it. Why? Do we find some sort of justification for ourselves in this? We can do so in one of two ways: We can either say, 'At least I’m not that bad, or, 'At least I’m not the only one who does this.' When we have that mindset, we forget what is true: that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness and grace (Romans 3:23-24). Recuse yourself from "comment section debates" and humbly bring your concerns to God.

Psalm 1:1-2 tells us that we are blessed when we meditate on God’s Word and Law. The word blessed means happy. When in a season of sorrow, where circumstances tend to veil our sight in the pursuit of a blessed life, we are given a wealth of wisdom and truth to meditate upon in the Scriptures. God designed our bodies and minds, and it is no wonder that our lives change on a radical level when our minds are transformed by renewal through daily meditation on God’s Word (Romans 12:2).

God’s Word is a gift for us, in order to bless us. The statutes of heaven are for the sanctity of life, the love of God, and the love of others (Matthew 22:36-40). Happiness can be chosen today, but you must first decide what you will think about. Will you think about dark and detestable things? Or will you meditate on what is true and praiseworthy? Take time everyday to meditate on God's holiness and goodness, so that your mind can be renewed and blessed in the midst of a profane world.

Non Nobis Nati