Righteous Thinking
Read Philippians 4:8–9
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
South Africa has a tourist attraction in Mpumalanga called “God’s Window.” Standing on the edge of a cliff, one can gaze down into an exotic ravine. Mpumalanga has many breathtaking views, but this panorama of a wildlife reserve makes observers feel as though they are looking as far as the eye can see. Painters, photographers, and people from all over the world have spent hours reflecting on this beautiful view of God’s creation.
Today’s passage is not a list of things to do or ways to act, but an encouragement to dwell in God, to spend time admiring and gazing upon the beautiful qualities that are part of His eternal nature. Paul begins the passage with “Finally” (v. 8). He is approaching the end of his letter, which has encouraged the church to stand firm, remain committed, and rejoice in suffering.
This particular section reminds them of the beauty and wonder of the God we serve. Paul used the words: “true,” “noble,” “right,” “pure,” “lovely,” and “admirable.” Paul emphasizes the wide scope of beauty and praise available to believers—anything that is excellent and praiseworthy is something that we can enjoy and give attention to. From nature to the arts to worship to relationships, the loveliness and beauty around us should remind us of God’s outpouring of His own truth and beauty in our lives and in our world.
When we dwell on the beauty and wonder of God, we are drawn closer to who He would like us to be. We are to remember what we have learned about God from His Word and practice these things. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ, and all the good and positive things reflected in His character. This is one way that the “God of peace” will be with us (v. 9).
What is your mind dwelling on today? Are you thinking about concerns, worries, problems, anxieties? We have been told instead to refocus our mind on what is pure and good and true. Reject the tendency we have to be mired in earthly troubles and try to refocus your mind on the things of God. Then, we will discover God’s peace dwelling in us.
Read Philippians 4:8–9
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
South Africa has a tourist attraction in Mpumalanga called “God’s Window.” Standing on the edge of a cliff, one can gaze down into an exotic ravine. Mpumalanga has many breathtaking views, but this panorama of a wildlife reserve makes observers feel as though they are looking as far as the eye can see. Painters, photographers, and people from all over the world have spent hours reflecting on this beautiful view of God’s creation.
Today’s passage is not a list of things to do or ways to act, but an encouragement to dwell in God, to spend time admiring and gazing upon the beautiful qualities that are part of His eternal nature. Paul begins the passage with “Finally” (v. 8). He is approaching the end of his letter, which has encouraged the church to stand firm, remain committed, and rejoice in suffering.
This particular section reminds them of the beauty and wonder of the God we serve. Paul used the words: “true,” “noble,” “right,” “pure,” “lovely,” and “admirable.” Paul emphasizes the wide scope of beauty and praise available to believers—anything that is excellent and praiseworthy is something that we can enjoy and give attention to. From nature to the arts to worship to relationships, the loveliness and beauty around us should remind us of God’s outpouring of His own truth and beauty in our lives and in our world.
When we dwell on the beauty and wonder of God, we are drawn closer to who He would like us to be. We are to remember what we have learned about God from His Word and practice these things. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ, and all the good and positive things reflected in His character. This is one way that the “God of peace” will be with us (v. 9).
What is your mind dwelling on today? Are you thinking about concerns, worries, problems, anxieties? We have been told instead to refocus our mind on what is pure and good and true. Reject the tendency we have to be mired in earthly troubles and try to refocus your mind on the things of God. Then, we will discover God’s peace dwelling in us.
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