Think on These Things

The most important decisions we will make today are not what to do or where to go, or even what to say, but what to think about. What thoughts will we let meander around in the hallways of our heads?

Ample advice is floating around in the middle of our current pandemic, so I will not add another should/shouldn’t to your collection. You must live this weird life in the way that works best for you and yours.

But for me – and some might say I tend to lean to the glass-half-empty side - I am loving the reminders to stay positive. In the news, social media, in the words from friends, family, church leaders, and celebrities, many are offering messages of hope and positivity. And I find that when I look for good things, I tend to find them.

I also listen to the less optimistic messages. I will not be found with my head in the sand. But I choose not to allow the thoughts that stir up fear and frustration to hang out in my head space all day long. [Note: I am not suggesting that positive thinking be used over proper treatment to battle depression or other diseases of the mind.]

The notion of managing our thoughts is not new. Paul reminded the early church at Philippi to stay focused on positive thoughts. His advice came right after he had acknowledged some daily bickering that had occurred there.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. [Phil 4:8, NLT]

In this scripture are six reliable filters through which to sift my thoughts:

True – Is it accurate? Have I fact checked it?

Honorable – Even if it’s true, is it respectful? Does it give honor or dishonor?

Right – Does it reinforce rightness? Is it just?

Pure – Is it ok for everyone to know or only certain people?

Lovely – Does it uplift and brighten things up?

Admirable – Would I be proud of this?

When I fix my thoughts on something, I make a conscious intentional decision to hang on to those thoughts. Other versions of this scripture translate as “think on these things.” Negative thoughts will always pop in my head, but I can influence how long they stay. I can replace them with better alternatives. I can distract myself from them with healthier diversions. Today I will sift through my thoughts like flour, looking for what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Today I will think on these things.