Philippians 4:7b-9: Think About Your Thoughts
Some people are fond of saying, “You are what you eat”, emphasising the importance of a healthy diet. Today, Paul tells us that “You are what you think about”. Our thoughts determine our actions and our priorities in life. So we need to think about what’s going on in our minds.
Paul emphasises the importance of guarding our hearts and minds (see end of verse 7). In Scripture the heart is the inner person, the centre of who we really are. The word “heart” often refers to the same thing as “mind”. Countless influences and experiences form that inner being. Many people in our culture do not realise how much their thinking is shaped by what they look at on their phones or TV screens. Some of these things might even have become idols in their lives.
We must therefore be careful about what we allow our eyes to look at, our ears to hear, our minds to think about. This leads to the practice of godly thinking (verse 8). Christians are often accused today of not being great thinkers – sometimes, that’s a fair accusation. Ask the average Christian why the Old Testament matters, or what worship is or isn’t, and they probably won’t give a very good answer. But Christians should be thoughtful, careful, curious people. First and foremost, we should think about what is true (verse 8). The first thing we need to think about each day is God’s Word – truth itself. There, we will see what is “honourable” and “just” and “lovely”. Indeed, in Jesus, we will see all these things perfectly displayed. We may even find what is “honourable” or “commendable” in the world around us – an honourable way to farm, or work, or take care of money – but we must always sift the practices of the world through the sieve of Scripture. We must think: what does Jesus want from me in my work, my family, my church? What actions or words today will bring most glory to God? We must avoid filling our minds and hearts with the deceptions and vanities of the world.
Questions
- Are Christians “lazy thinkers” today? Why or why not?
- What steps can we take to guard our hearts and minds (verse 7)?
Prayer Points
- Pray for godly discipline to think about God’s truth, first and foremost, every day.
- Thank God for the peace and assurance he provides for godly thinkers (Verse 9).
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.