Whatever is Excellent or Praiseworthy

The connection between our thoughts and our state of mind is real. If our thoughts are filled with negative emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, loneliness, shame, and guilt, then our body and emotional state will be dragged down by these powerful emotions. We experience the full effect of each emotion, which takes its toll on our bodies and leaves us fatigued and unmotivated. The body and mind track our thoughts and accumulate the negative impact. What we think about affects us in so many different ways. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to be joyful. He exhorted them not to let anxiety take control of their thoughts. He told them that instead of being anxious, they should present their needs to God with a thankful spirit. He assured them that, by choosing to let God have their anxiety, God would give them an extraordinary peace that would guard their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:4-7).

What follows in Paul’s extraordinary letter to the Philippians is a wonderful prescription for elevating our thinking. As a result, our thoughts produce positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, desire, hope, and love. Here is Paul’s advice: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). By thinking on excellent things, our minds have the opportunity to contemplate these things and give us peace and fulfillment.

Whatever is true, we have to sort out the false from the true; whatever is noble. Here is a wonderful word that asks us to look for what has high moral character. Whatever is right. We need to focus on what is right, especially in a culture that turns right upside down and exalts wrong. Whatever is pure—unadulterated. We are bombarded with filth, and we forget that pure things exist—and God wants us to dwell on them. Whatever is lovely, we forget to look around and see the lovely in God’s creation. Whatever is admirable. When we see what is admirable, we are inspired. Paul says, “think about such things.” This is how we change our lives by thinking thoughts that bring inspiration, peace, joy, and courage.   Reading and memorizing Scripture is an excellent way to fulfill Paul’s prescription.

                                                                                              

Author of Crianza Responsiva:

https://www.amazon.com/Crianza-Responsiva-Principios-conectados-saludables-ebook/dp/B08FW8Q7D5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=crianza+responsiva&qid=1610663595&sr=8-1