Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8.
I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "pure".
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. Philippians 4:8
Meditate. Think on. Ponder.
Take an Inventory.
Whatever things are—Pure.
Whatever things are pure.
Pure: pure from every fault, immaculate. From the word meaning, "likeness of nature with the Lord because different from the world.
Likeness because different.
Whatever things are pure. The test for pureness is not what I think to be ok, or without fault. Rather, the test is what God says is ok.
Just because the world accepts something does not make it right, let alone pure. There are standards and a nature-order that God created. Just because someone has decided to change that, because of how they 'feel', does not make it right.
Likeness because different.
Pure things are those things with are in accordance with God, His character, and His standards and laws. Think on things that are pure—pure from every fault.
That makes me think of TV shows I watch. I can rationalize why I watch a show. It has a good story line, it makes me laugh, it's something to do. But is it pure from every fault? It it in the likeness of nature of the Lord? If not, then why am I spending my time watch and thinking about it? Good question.
Whatever things are pure.
Thinking effects everything. If I want to live a life that is pleasing to God, then I have a responsibility to think on things that are pure.
If that means, turning off the TV, then I need to do it. If that means changing the radio station, then I need to do it. If that means.......... the key is to make sure that I'm allowing into my mind are things that I want to think about later.
"You are being too harsh. You need to have fun. You need to lighten up, it's just a TV show."
Exactly.
Those are statements which we say to ourselves and others, to justify why we do something which we know is not always the best.
Whatever things are pure.
Thinking affects everything. And if I want to be thinking godly and acting in accordance with God and His Word, then I must work on making sure what I allow in my mind, to be God-pure.
Thinking affects everything—and it begins with what I allow into my mind.
Whatever things are pure. God-pure!
