"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things"(Phil 4:8). We spend much of our time on this earth thinking about one thing or another. Paul here addresses what we think on and insists that it be things which have value and are good and true.

First we must recognize that there are some things which are not good to focus our minds upon. So much of our world today is focused on things which are not healthy or good for us as Christians-accentuating the sexual desires without acknowledging their proper place and emphasizing that whatever feels good must be right. These things are not good to think on, as they lead us away from Christ. These are not the true, noble, pure things of which Paul speaks. Rather, God tells us "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God"(Rom 12:1). So how do we renew our mind? What are the things on which we should meditate?

It is always a welcome, pure thought to dwell upon Jesus and His life on this earth. The Hebrew writer tells us to always be "looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" for courage and to "consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls"(Heb 12:2-3). Jesus' example of leaving glory to atone for our sins can give us encouragement in the most difficult times. When we see the sinless Savior withstand the blows and spittle of men, we realize that our burden and struggle is a small price compared to His. When we think on Jesus, we behold "His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth"(Jn 1:14). We see the perfect, just, caring, severe, all-powerful God as He was in human form. The more that we study of Him, the deeper we delve into His mind, the more we will begin to meditate and focus on pure thoughts which will renew our minds.

Another true and noble thing on which to think is our salvation. When we contemplate the tremendous things God has done for us despite our unworthiness, we have something worth our time. Paul seemed to constantly dwell on his salvation and all that God had done for him, in spite of his past. Even as an older man, he said, "And I think Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man…This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief"(1 Tim 1:12-13, 15). For Paul, it was a constant reality that he did not deserve the grace God had given him. Yet these thoughts of his salvation not only glorified God because of His great mercy, but also helped him to live a better life because so much had been done for him.

What else can we find that is noble and true? Thoughts of Heaven never fail to soothe a weary soul and give us hope in our darkest moments. Paul said "one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"(Phil 3:13-14). Because he made Heaven his goal, Paul was always considering and pressing toward reaching his ultimate goal. When we are constantly thinking of our goal, it will make the worries and the cares of this world much easier to bear. How often do we think of that "heavenly country"(Heb 11:16) to which we are pressing? Certainly that home beyond the skies is a pure thought for our meditation.

These are just a few examples of the supreme truth: God's word is the source of the pure thoughts on which we should all be meditating. A daily time for meditation and study of God's word is vital to keeping our thoughts and lives pure of worldly influences. Let's not forget that God can help us through our daily lives and give us strength to live in His way. Let's put our thoughts upon God and not be fixated on the struggles and worries of this life.___Jacob Hudgins