Philippians 4:8

MERRIER MINDS

January 13, 2021 // by Norman Drummond// Leave a Comment

The purpose of this blog is to help us think about and meditate on things that are spiritually refreshing and healthy for heart, mind, and soul. Our minds become so full of trash and harmful things that we are weighed down and spiritually sluggish. Our hearts become so troubled by worry and fear that we are robbed of peace and joy. We suffer at the soul level when our daily diet does not include a generous proportion of healthy thoughts.

I have found Philippians 4:8 to be a guide for time spent on things that uplift and realign our perspective on life. The instruction is this: “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.”

There is a discipline suggested here. Instead of allowing our minds and hearts to feed continually on garbage, we can train ourselves to enjoy a different diet. When we study and meditate on the things of Philippians 4:8, our minds and hearts begin to recognize these things as we go through our day. We even begin to look for them. “Look! What a noble thing that is.” Or, “There is a virtue rarely observed.”

Our hearts may be hardier and minds merrier if we train ourselves to find things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Imagine how much healthier we would be if we grew to enjoy and appreciate holy and heavenly streams of thought. Bible study, worship services, and Christian fellowship can become a greater delight when we have cultivated a better sense of taste.

So, that is the purpose of this blog; to provide weekly attention to “these things.” If you like it please post it on your Facebook. Thank you.

LOVING THE LORD WITH YOUR MIND

November 18, 2020 // by Norman Drummond// Leave a Comment

I contend that the instructions given to us in Philippians 4:8 are more important and valuable than you may think. Why meditate on these things? “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 nay virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate of these things.” How important is meditation to our Christian living, our Christian behavior, our Christian walk?

Scripture is always concerned about how Christians behave. Paul uses the term “walk” to reference our daily conduct. Our behavior is indicative of our devotion to Christ. Paul tells Christians in Colossians he and those with him “do not cease to pray for you, . . . that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10). Paul often encourages Christians to follow in his footsteps. “Brethren join in following my example, and note those who so walk as you have us for a pattern” (Philippians 3:17).

Just before we come to Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:8 to “meditate on these things,” He reminds us that some who claim to be followers of Christ do not walk the walk. Paul’s indictment of these is in 3:18-19. “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly and who set their mind on earthly things.” There it is! Our behavior is directly connected to what we spend time thinking about.

In Philippians four Paul lists some conduct that is expected in the life of a Christian: 1. Stand fast in the Lord, 2. Rejoice in the Lord always, 3. Let your gentleness be known, 4. Be anxious for nothing, 5. Let your requests be known to God, and finally, 6. meditate on these things. Please note that in this final instruction, Paul compares for us the difference in those who are “enemies of the cross” and those who “stand fast in the Lord.” It is at least partly the difference between “those who set their mind on earthly things,” and those who meditate on “whatever is true, . . . noble, . . . just, . . . pure, . . . lovely, . . . of good report, . . . and anything praiseworthy.”

Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). How do you love the Lord with your mind? In what ways is your mind engaged in loving the Lord? Is God pleased with the meditations of your heart, soul, and mind?