Thinking Affects Everything: Praiseworthy

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, "praiseworthy".

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 —if there is anything praiseworthy.

Praiseworthy: approbation, commendation, praise, a commendable thing

Synonyms: 

admirable

creditable

deserving

estimable

excellent

exemplary

laudable

meritable

meritorious

praisable

thank worthy

worthy

Approbation: official approval or sanction

Once again the standard on which to basis if something is praiseworthy—is God. He gives the "official approval or sanction". 

Praiseworthy. Credible. Deserving. 

I stopped at that word "deserving". Do the things that occupy my mind deserve my time and attention? 

We are each given 24 hours a day. No more, no less. During those 24 hours, am I thinking of things which are worthy and deserve my time and attention? If not, then I need to make some changes! 

Think on these things—praiseworthy based on the official approval of God, and that are deserving of my time and attention. 

If I am thinking about things that are praiseworthy, then my speech will also be praiseworthy. Remembering that thinking affects everything! 

Think on these things...... what are you thinking about today? 

Words Spoken

The news lately has been about a recording made several years ago. The talk was not God-honoring in anyway.

It made me stop and think...... 

First of all, if all I said throughout my lifetime was recorded and played back, would I regret any of my words? 

Secondly, I will have to stand before God and give an account of my words, actions, and thoughts as to whether or not they were pure or trash.

Words can come back to haunt you. That is why God gives us advice—Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23). A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45) NKJV

I know that over the years, I have said things that I now regret. Some were said in anger. Some were said with the wrong motive. Some were said to impress. Some were said — no matter the reason—they were not the right words.

I'm thankful for a merciful God, so graciously forgives me of my sin and continues to teach me. I must daily surrender my life - all of it - to God and in doing so, remember Philippians 4:8.

WORDS do have an impact. And so do ACTIONS. Is one worse than the other? By God's standards even our thoughts are heard by Him. So BOTH words and actions matter.

I'm thankful that all the words I have said in the past were not recorded to be played for each of you to hear. And I'm even more thankful for a forgiving God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)