The Power of Positive Thinking
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
What is the meaning of Philippians 4:8?
In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul is writing to encourage and exhort the Philippian believers to stand firm in their faith and to live a life worthy of the gospel. He encourages them to be of the same mind and to strive for unity among themselves. Paul also addresses some issues of concern in the Philippi church, such as false teaching and disunity among the believers.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul is urging the Philippians to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. He is encouraging them to focus on these positive qualities in their thoughts and actions, rather than dwelling on negative or unhelpful things. He is encouraging them to let their minds be controlled by these things, which will lead to peace and joy.
This passage fits into the larger argument that Paul is making in his letter to the Philippians by emphasizing the importance of living a life in accordance with the teachings of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He wants the Philippian believers to be of the same mind and united in their faith, and to live in a way that is pleasing to God. By focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise, they will be able to fulfill this goal and glorify God in their lives.
"True" in this verse refers to something that is in accordance with fact or reality. An example of this is when Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
"Honorable" refers to something that is respectable and deserving of respect. Proverbs states "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1).
"Just" refers to something that is fair and right. God is described as "a God of justice" (Isaiah 30:18) and the prophet Amos says "let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24).
"Pure" refers to something that is free from moral impurity or corruption. he Psalmist says "who desire to worship you must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
"Lovely" refers to something that is beautiful and pleasing. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
"Commendable" refers to something that is deserving of praise or recognition. An example of this in the Bible is when Jesus commends the faith of the Centurion in Luke 7:9.
"Excellence" refers to the quality of being outstanding or exceptional. The book of Colossians states "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:23).
"Worthy of praise" refers to something that is deserving of admiration or approval. An example of this in the Bible is when the Psalmist says "I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation" (Psalm 118:21).
The Problem of Negativity
Dwelling on negative thoughts can have a range of negative effects on our mental health. Some of the most common include:
Increased stress
Negative thoughts can trigger the release of stress hormones, which can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. Prolonged stress can also increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Low mood and anxiety
Negative thoughts can also lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. These feelings can become overwhelming and can make it difficult to enjoy life or engage in activities that you normally enjoy.
Social isolation
Negative thoughts can also affect our relationships with others. If we're constantly dwelling on negative thoughts, we may become less interested in socializing or may push others away.
Difficulty in making decisions
Negative thoughts can cloud our judgment and make it difficult to think clearly, which can make it hard to make decisions or solve problems.
Difficulty in sleeping
Negative thoughts can also affect our sleep patterns, making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can lead to fatigue and a lack of energy during the day.
The Power of Positive Thinking
We can renew our thoughts by focusing on the positive aspects of our life in Christ. Jesus came to renew all things including our thought life. Thanking God for his many blessings helps us turn our attention to the positive aspects of our faith. As we remember the specific ways God has intervened in our life, sorrow is replaced with joy.
In addition to thanksgiving, we can focus our attention on positive thoughts, as Paul instructs the church to do in Philippians 4:8. Focusing our minds on positive thoughts can have a number of benefits for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some of these benefits include:
Improved mental and emotional health
Focusing on positive thoughts can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our overall mood and emotional well-being. It can also help us to develop a more positive outlook on life, which can help us to cope better with challenges and setbacks.
Increased resilience
Focusing on positive thoughts can help us to develop a more resilient mindset, which can help us to bounce back more quickly from difficult situations and challenges.
Greater peace and joy
Positive thoughts can bring peace and joy to our hearts, which is what Paul wants the Philippians to have.
Increased motivation and productivity
Focusing on positive thoughts can help to increase our motivation and productivity, which can help us to achieve our goals more easily.
Better relationships
Focusing on positive thoughts can help us to develop better relationships with others, as we are more likely to be kind, compassionate, and understanding when we are in a positive frame of mind.
Better overall physical health
Positive thinking is also linked to better overall physical health. Studies have shown that people who have a more positive outlook on life are less likely to develop certain diseases, such as heart disease, and they tend to have stronger immune systems.
Greater spiritual growth
Focusing on positive thoughts can also help us to grow spiritually. When we focus on the positive qualities mentioned in Philippians 4:8, we are reminded of the love of God, and we will be more inclined to follow the teachings of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which leads to spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Philippians 4:8 is a powerful reminder of the importance of focusing our minds on positive thoughts. By doing so, we can experience the many benefits that come from having a positive mindset, including greater peace and joy and improved relationships. By focusing on these positive qualities, we can grow spiritually and be reminded of the love of God. Let's strive to focus our minds on the positive aspects of our faith to experience the blessings that come with it.
Prayer of the Day
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your word, and for reminding us in Philippians 4:8 to focus our minds on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
Lord, I come before you today with a heart full of gratitude, and a willingness to reflect on these positive qualities in my thoughts and actions. I pray that you would help me to see the world through your eyes, and to find beauty and goodness in every situation.
I pray for the strength and the discipline to keep my mind fixed on what is true and honorable, to strive for justice and purity, and to see the lovely and commendable in all people.
Lord, I know that it is not always easy to focus on the positive, but I trust in your power to renew my mind and to fill my heart with peace and joy.
I ask that you would help me to excel in all that I do, and to find excellence in every situation. And I pray that I will be worthy of your praise, and that I will bring glory to your name in all that I say and do.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
