Phillippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, 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.

The Apostle Paul  wants to encourage us to live up to a higher standard. We should not just clean up our outward life, but also our inward life. Those of us in Christ live by the Spirit and "those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5). If we're Christians who live by the Spirit, then our minds should reflect that fact. If our minds are fixed on things other than what's on Paul's list, then something is WRONG!

Sometimes all it takes to clean up our inward life is to simply become aware of what we're thinking about. At those times becoming aware of any thoughts of hatred, jealousy, unforgiveness, bitterness, lust, etc. affords us the opportunity to deal with them quickly. We should always be sensitive to what we're thinking about so that we can make a course correction in our thought life if necessary.

Sometimes,  it's a lot more difficult to gain control of our thoughts. At those times we must turn to the Lord to repent, ask for forgiveness, and help. Our prayer should be the prayer David prayed after his exposure as an adulterer and murderer: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

Let's not allow discouragement into our minds if things don't progress as quickly as we would like. After all, discouragement is not one of the things on Paul's list. Getting our minds right is a life-long process.

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(Bible League International)
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Tim Gustafson