For as he thinks in his heart, so is he
Proverb 23:7 NKJV
What we think about deremines what we do. Even more important, the Scripture tells us what we think about shapes our attitude and how we live our lives.
The Greek city of philippi was one of the places where the apostle Paul had a fruitful ministry. The Greeks were great thinkers. They loved a good debate, a lively conversation about philosophy, or a rousing time of oratory that might trigger the imagination. Paul wrote to the Philippians:
"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,
Whatever things are just, whatever things are pure
Whatever things are lovely, whatever things are good
report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8 NKJV
It's interesting to note Paul wrote this immediately after three other concerns in Philippians, chapter4. First, he tells two women who are having an argument to become of "the same mind in the Lord." Paul wants them to be at peace with each other and to rejoice together in the Lord.
Second, Paul tells them to be gentle with all me. That's descriptive of having peace with these who don't know the Lord. And third, Paul advises them not to be anxious or worried about anything, but to turn all total peace of mind and heart.
Paul is encouraging the Philippians to be one God's "peace people" by turning their thoughts toward God's blessing and Word. He makes it very clear what the result will be:
...and the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:9
As we look for the good in others, and meditate on the unending goodness of our Creator, we find the path toward peace with others and the peace that passes all understanding in whatsoever the situation we find ourselve.
Thinking right is more than positive thinking it is living a life that is filled with God's goodness, wisdom, and mercy! So Tell Them Your Story!
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