THINK ON THESE THINGS

Philippians 4:8-9 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

In the two verses preceding the lesson text Paul, encourages all Christians to be careful for nothing. The NKJV renders this phrase, be anxious for nothing. The complications and perplexities of life, if allowed to do so, can cause undue stress that usually distracts one from obedience to the will of God. To worry and fret over worldly matters can, and often do, consume a person's time and mental capacity to the detriment of their spiritual life. In the eyes of God, this is a sinful state of mind. As with all sin, God offers a way of escape from anxiety. Paul assures us of this promise: the burdens of life can be lifted and replaced by the inner peace of God through prayer. A peace that cannot be found anywhere else in the world; a peace that is beyond all human understanding, is available to God's children through His Son, Christ Jesus (See Vss. 6-7 preceding). There is no reason for our minds to be preoccupied with worldly matters that detract from demonstrating our undivided love for God and for our fellow human beings.

With that introduction, Paul tells us in the lesson text what should occupy our minds. Whatsoever things are true, ...honest, ...just, ...pure, ...lovely, (and)...of good report,and we are admonished to ...think on these things. If there is anything in our life's accomplishments that is virtuous and worthy of praise, it is the demonstration of these Christian characteristics in our manner, or conversation, of life. To think on these things, to practice them in our lives, and, by word and deed, to teach them to all people that we are able to influence, is indeed, a demonstration of obediently doing God's will here on earth. Our minds are to be free from worldly cares, and our complete attention should be given to things spiritual.

The virtues that Paul says we are to think about, have applications that should govern both our physical lives here on earth, and, more importantly, they should rule our spiritual conduct of life. The first thing Paul tells us to think about is whatsoever things are true. Christians are to study God's word, learn the truths it contains, meditate on them often, and maintain them in our everyday lives. God's grace and truth is only found in Jesus Christ (John 1:7). Jesus, Himself, confirmed this when he said, I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6b). It is true that eternal life can only be found in Jesus; a truth that we should always think about.

Whatsoever things are honest. Honest, as used here, includes much more than just business and professional dealings. It includes gravity, dignity, respect, and reverence. When we consider our life as a Christian, these characteristics must be displayed to be acceptable to God. As we think of these qualities, we must not do so lightly, or frivolously, but seriously.

Whatsoever things are just. When one becomes a Christian, a great obligation is assumed. We owe God and His Son, Jesus Christ our complete, obedient devotion. Likewise we are indebted to our family, and ourselves, but also to our friends, neighbors, and fellow Christians. This debt must be discharged in a just, righteous, and Christ-like manner; not partially, but completely, with good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

Whatsoever things are pure. Things that are pure are those things that are unadulterated and chaste. There must be a code of moral excellence governing all that we say and do, in the eyes of God, before our fellow Christians, and for all people of the world to see. It is a virtuous responsibility that must be carried out with purity; totally free from sin. Godly edification can only be achieved out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (See 1 Tim. 1:4-5).

Whatsoever things are lovely. Most bible scholars agree, the word "lovely" carries the meaning of amiable, pleasing, and without ill feelings or temper. Christian conduct must demonstrate this virtue. Christian deeds carried out in an ill-tempered, begrudging manner, are ugly, they are not acceptable to God, and they will present a negative view of Christianity, which injures and defeats the cause of Christ. When not displayed with a lovely disposition, virtuous acts of a Christian lose their influence.

Whatsoever things are of good report. Christians should never engage in activities that may bring reproach upon the church of Christ. There are many charitable causes one can actively pursue that would bring a "good report" to the body of Christ, and glorify God. Good works should be our example of Christian conduct for all around us to see. The world will emulate deeds filled with kindness and charity.

The inspired apostle Paul recommended his personal Christian conduct to the church of Christ at Philippi. They had heard his message of salvation through Jesus Christ. They had observed his deeds of compassion, charity, conciliation, humility, and all other Christian virtues characterized in his life. They had learned, and received, Paul's conduct as examples of sound Christian doctrine. Now he tells them, as well as all of us that read these words of his epistle, to go and do likewise.

With our minds filled with these virtuous thoughts, there is no room left for the anxieties of life. When this takes place, God promises that the burdens of life, its problems and complexities, will be lifted from our shoulders. They will not become obstacles that separate us from God, or hinder our labor of love in carrying out the cause of Christ. Indeed, think on these things ...and the God of peace shall be with you.