[392 words]
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
Our minds, much like a junk drawer or an old shoe box, can be a catchall for junk or trash. We are inundated with sights, sounds, etc. that become sparks for evil thoughts and actions. The television, movies, magazines at the checkout stand, and on and on we could go for source material for sin. Satan loves our modern world as social media, our smart phones, tablets, etc. help do his bidding. We have to make efforts to either minimize our exposure to these things. Then, we must use scriptures and prayer to neutralize and then remove this “junk” from our minds.
The selection of scriptures above are God’s cure for a cluttered mind of bad thoughts. It starts with a choice or decision on our part. We must decide what we will meditate on and reflect on.
We must fill our minds with things that are true and lend themselves to a good reputation. It also makes us accountable and good examples to others as they see us making better choices. We have to learn to yearn/desire better things. Its as simple as eating your veggies instead of candy. It is definitely a lifestyle change. Desiring and reflecting on godly things has such tremendous effect on our lives. It keeps us in fellowship with God and our brethren. It changes our outlook on the world, relationships, and our spiritual lives. At the end, Paul says that we receive a godly peace. Peace of mind, especially concerning our spiritual lives, is one of the greatest benefits of being a Christian. Lying down at night and being at peace with God and ourselves is something that can’t be measured.
God’s thoughts and principles are truly “chicken noodle soup” for the soul. When our minds are “sick” with bad things, lets clean it up! Fill it with all of the things Paul mentions and then enjoy the peace that comes with it.
Chris Moore
Clarendon church of Christ
Clarendon, TX