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
A while ago, I was challenged to literally think on Philippians 4:8 throughout the month and took time to dwell on each of the traits that are mentioned: the six “whatsoevers.” They are:
- 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
As I considered the things that are true, I thought about many of the difficult and negative things happening in this world. Then, my mind redirected to God’s Word because, when it is all said and done, that is the real Truth. The other day, I was speaking with a teenage girl who is struggling with having negative thoughts about herself. I reminded her that those things she was thinking are not true because they are not what God says about her. I know I, like that young lady, can get into my head and think negatively. However, according to Philippians 4:8, I am supposed to think on thesethings that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.
Since all those words are attributes of God’s Word, what does God think about us?
The Bible says we are loved.
Jeremiah 31:3 says, The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. On our most unlovable days, when even our husbands and children have a hard time loving us, God loves us with an everlastinglove. Here, God uses the same word as He did in John 3:16 about the life He came to give us: everlasting.
The Bible says that through Him we are capable of dealing with any situation.
Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. When he recently preached a sermon on Philippians 4, our pastor pointed out that verse 13 goes along with the previous verses that talk about contentment. These include times when we abound or are abased and when we have plenty or suffer need.
That Bible says that we need Him to accomplish anything.
John 15:5 says, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Sometimes we defeat ourselves before we even start because we decide that we cannot win. However, God has promised to finish the work that He has started in us. Philippians 1:6 says, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
The Bible reminds us of God’s love for us through the many names and attributes God gives us as Christians.
God proves His love for us through His Word over and over again. Here are just a few examples:
- Accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6)
- Redeemed (Isaiah 51:11)
- Heirs of God (Romans 8:17)
- Justified (Romans 5:1, 9)
- Called with an holy calling (II Timothy 1:9)
We often criticize the world and their notion of “my truth” while we simultaneously declare our own truth about who we are. Above all, that truth is God’s Word, and we should meditate on that alone. Lest we get too stuck on ourselves, the Bible also reminds us in John 1:9 that we are sinners who need to confess our sins.
While we know how God thinks of us, how can we control our thought life and …think on these things?
It does not escape me that Philippians 4:8 begins with the word finally. God told us earlier in verse 4 that, before we start thinking on all those things, we should Rejoice in the Lord alway… Then, verse 5 says, Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Moderation means “the quality of doing something within reasonable limits.” Verse 6 tells us to stop worrying and, instead, to pray about everything. When we do that, we can have the promise of verse 7: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The last of the list of “to-dos” here in Philippians 4 is the conclusion: Finally,… think on these things.
It is true that our thoughts will affect our actions, but for Christians, our actions can help to guide our thoughts. This little children’s chorus reminds us of just that:
“It’s amazing what praising can do.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
It’s amazing what praising can do.
Hallelujah!
I don’t worry when things go wrong.
Jesus fills my heart with a song.
It’s amazing what praising can do.
Hallelujah!”
To dismiss the worry, doubt, fear, and negative thoughts, let us spend our days praising and serving God so we can live Philippians 4:8 and …think on these things…!
by Vicki Voorhis