Philippians 4:8-9
On How We Think
8Finally, brothers, 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.
9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
St. Paul gives us good advice on what we think about and our actions...If we have negative thoughts, in our minds and continue with them, we can become filled with negativity...Some thoughts are fleeting, and some thoughts bring discouraging sensations...These type of thoughts can come upon us sometimes it seems unannounced and quickly...St. Paul knows we are a function of our own thoughts...He wants us to think about the positive thoughts in our lives...
St. Paul encourages us to talk down these negative thoughts...He asks us to keep our minds on eight positive virtues here which will keep negativity at a minimum...We should not let the negative thinking consume us...
St. Paul tells us to hold on to whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, whatever is admirable, and whatever is praiseworthy...Fill your mind with good things...This takes discipline, but when we are able to do this after practice, and can put this practice in our lives, then the God of peace will be with us...
Paul also is making the point that are things that are true, that are pure, and lovely in contrast to things that are not...We are to think about these things, and study them, -these good virtues and put them in our lives...How great the world would be if we were all focused on these eight great virtues...When we are able to fill our minds with these great virtues, then we are closer to God...And being closer to God means a more peaceful life...