Most of us will experience problems and challenges in life that may crop up every now and then. These problems come in various ‘shapes and sizes’ and may be physical problems (like illnesses or mobility issues), emotional problems or social problems. At times, the inability to cope with such challenges or problems can lead some to negativity, despair and possibly self-pity. We read of people in the Bible who were in despair like David, Jeremiah, Job and also Judas Iscariot - who eventually sinned by taking his own life.
The apostle Paul was one strong person who, despite all the challenges and perils he faced, remained strong in the Lord and continued to encourage brethren. He even penned letters to individuals and congregations when in prison. He did not allow negative thoughts to influence him. We know he had the right attitude about life and death when he wrote “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Paul focused on the teachings of Christ and remained positive. In Acts 16:25, Luke recorded for us that Paul and Silas could rejoice and were singing praises unto God although they were in prison. They were heard by the prisoners and we also know of the Philippian jailor and his household who were subsequently converted (Acts 16:33).
Thus, it is necessary to be strong in the Lord with the right mindset or thinking. Paul exhorted the Philippians to think on things that have virtue and praise and to also put whatever that is taught into action. He wrote, “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” (Philippines 4:8-9).
Paul gave a list of things for Christians to “think on”. To think on means to weigh on, to consider, to deliberate or to meditate. Paul said we are to focus on things which are true and not falsehoods, things which are worthy of respect, things which God approves of and delights in, things which are decent and morally upright, things which are acceptable and pleasing to God, and things which are well-spoken of and worthy of praise. Thus, if there are things that help us achieve moral excellence, are worthy to be talked about and allow us to be right in the sight of God, we should meditate on these things.
Solomon said “for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7a). Whatever we think of or conceive in our hearts will ultimately be translated into our behaviour and actions. We are also told to keep our hearts with all diligence because “out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). God is not pleased when one harbours evil in his thoughts. A “heart that deviseth wicked imaginations” is something which is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 6:18). It is sad if we allow negativity and evil to creep into our minds and yield to temptation as a result of unclean thoughts.
We must be mindful and aware of our thoughts and measure them against what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8. It will also be beneficial that we deliberately fill our minds with good rather than wickedness and allow these good thoughts to be the focus in our minds. Such good thoughts can involve meditating or memorising scripture, thinking of how to approach another person to evangelise, thinking of ways to encourage a brother or sister-in-Christ and many more. When we fill our minds with these, it will make it difficult for evil to creep in.
Besides having good thoughts, Paul also said that there was a need to be a doer. He said “those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do” (Philippians 4:9a). Thus, it is necessary to put into action what we have learnt. We are familiar with what James echoed in his exhortation that faith without works is dead and one must be a doer and not a hearer of the word only (James 1:23-25; James 2:24, 26). When we have done these, we have the assurance that God will be with us (Philippians 4:9b). Such an assurance should provoke us to put into practice what we have learnt from God’s word. It is not merely knowledge that we gain but what is equally important is to put that knowledge into practice and in so doing, we will please God.
Beloved brethren, there is a need to guard our heart and have proper thoughts which please God. We must also apply what we have learnt and be good followers of Christ. May God continue to help us as we grow!