Good or Ugly: What Consumes Your Mind?
Philippians 4:8 NIV
"Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."
This world we live in today, though it is made beautiful in God's glory, can be a dark and depressing place. Around each corner lurks negative thoughts trying to consume our minds, people trying to oppress us and shame us for our beliefs, constant comparison to others because many think life is all about what we have, who we know and what we look like. Everywhere we turn, the enemy is trying to get us down in hopes that we might give in to his temptations. However, there's a better way! In Paul's letter to the people of Philippi, he ends on a powerful note by suggesting that they may capture their thoughts and think only what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. In doing so, the God of peace would be with them.
I believe that this guideline that Paul set before the Philippians is an amazing way that we too can live our everyday lives. It is so easy to be consumed by the negativity and defeat we see in the world today, just for the simple fact that it's easier to see. However, as believers, while we may not always see or go through the best of times, it's important to try to see and believe that God is in control. When we capture our thoughts, especially when things look bad, and fill our minds with God's truth, we may be overwhelmed with the peace that he has to offer us. When we are living in God's peace, we may rise above the negativity, the defeat, the temptation, the sin, and the overall ugly that comes from the world.
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