We must not give up at the defilement that is in the human race, and ever keep that before the mind's eye. We must not look at that. . . . What then are we to do? What is our work? To 'behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us' (1 John 3:1). - Bible Universe
The defilement of the human race is ever before us, and we reminded of how decrepit humanity can be when we watch the news and the media. Because of this, many thoughts of sadness, doubt, gloom and fear constantly fill our minds. This affects our mood, our interactions with others, and even our health. It is then imperative that we take charge of the things that we think about.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible helps with this situation. Philippians 4:8 tells us exactly what to think about:
"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." {emphasis added}
Although this verse is broad, it gives us an outline of what we should be thinking upon daily. We are to meditate on true and honest things; anything that is just and pure, lovely and good.
Now inherent in this verse are some questions: "What does it mean to think about something that is 'true', how do I think of something that is 'pure'? Who defines what 'lovely' is..." Because we are all so different, what one person may think is 'lovely', another may not see it that way. So how can we understand this verse? We go back to the source. We should not lean on our own understanding of these words; we must go back to the Bible to study to find out what these bolded words mean, then we will truly understand what things we are permitted to dwell upon and what we are not. One of the best ways to do this, is to do a word search of all these words in the Old and New Testaments. May I also recommend looking at the original words (in Hebrew and Greek) to get deeper understandings of each one. {Check out BibleCC to do this online: http://www.biblecc.com/}
Now inherent in this verse are some questions: "What does it mean to think about something that is 'true', how do I think of something that is 'pure'? Who defines what 'lovely' is..." Because we are all so different, what one person may think is 'lovely', another may not see it that way. So how can we understand this verse? We go back to the source. We should not lean on our own understanding of these words; we must go back to the Bible to study to find out what these bolded words mean, then we will truly understand what things we are permitted to dwell upon and what we are not. One of the best ways to do this, is to do a word search of all these words in the Old and New Testaments. May I also recommend looking at the original words (in Hebrew and Greek) to get deeper understandings of each one. {Check out BibleCC to do this online: http://www.biblecc.com/}
Today, may your thoughts be of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. These may just lead to a smile on your face and happiness for the rest of day.
Seize your thoughts = seize the day :-)
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