Work in; work out.
It’s the corollary that rules many a successful profession. The more we apply ourselves, the greater the output of our business.
The same is true with our minds, only it goes like this: Truth in; truth out. Or maybe we can say it like this: Positive thoughts in; positive thoughts out.
In other words, what we feed our minds determines our level of happiness.
Philippians 4:8-9 is our mind-feeding guideline.
“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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Let’s break down Paul’s words:
Whatever is true…
Gossip has no place in the Christian’s life. Let it go. Ignore it. Don’t be a part.
Whatever is honorable…
We should live to keep our good name, one we can be proud of. A good reputation is a thing to treasure.
Whatever is just…
We must conform to God’s standard of correctness. When we are faithful to him, he will treasure us.
Whatever is pure…
We are to be unmixed with wrongdoing. If we wonder if we should be involved, then we shouldn’t. It’s that simple.
Whatever is lovely…
Those things with beauty, harmony, or grace should be our focus in life. They will elevate our moral standards and worth.
Whatever is commendable…
We should consider how posterity will view our choices. Think of our children and our grandchildren. What will they see about our lives that’s worthy of their notice and respect?
Any excellence…
What’s first-class? Praiseworthy? The best example of its kind? That’s what we strive for.
Anything worthy of praise…
If we hear a good sermon, take notes and reread them. An uplifting social media post is worth reposting. Brag on the children and grandchildren. Repeat the good things that make us think, “Yeah, that’s what I like about you.”
When we practice these things, we’ll know the peace of God. It’s a promise. We can read it in the Word of God.
What we feed our mind comes out through our mouth. Let’s let it be the goodness of God.
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