Young Adults' Group

Thinking Good Thoughts

by Pastor Mark
June 30, 2016

The cultivation of our minds

The mind is something that has to be cultivated. Whether we have a strong or weak mind very much depends on how we seek to cultivate it.

When we allow negative and unwholesome thoughts to fill our minds, we tend to become anxious and worried. We end up with an even weaker mind.

It is crucial that we seek to cultivate a strong mind that is able to think well and to think good thoughts.

Meditate on good thoughts

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,…—meditate on these things.” (Phil 4:8)

The word “meditate” in Greek is “logizomai” and its basis idea means “to account, to calculate.” Paul used this word in describing his past life, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended,” (Phil 3:13) He did a calculation or an evaluation concerning his past life and counted himself as someone who had not fully comprehended at all.

It is only when we have made the necessary calculation or evaluation over a thought that we can consider meditating on it. This means that we should not just fill our minds with all sorts of thoughts…especially thoughts that are bad and negative.

This was the challenge that Paul gave to the brethren in Philippi that they should take time to consider and to think only good thoughts.

The good things that we should fill our minds with

What kind of things should we consider meditating on? Paul gave a list of the kind of thoughts that we want to ponder over.

“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy…” (Phil 4:8)

This is the kind of thoughts that we should think about. They are thoughts that must be true and noble, just and pure. This list is meant for us to determine the quality of our thoughts…that we should consider only this kind of good thoughts to fill our minds and hearts. They are worthy, encouraging and uplifting thoughts.

No thoughts that are not evaluated as good report or virtuous or praiseworthy should be entertained or dwelled upon. Let us guard the thoughts that we think about.

Thinking about the Word of God

The best thoughts that would fit all these descriptions are thoughts from the Word of God. They will be good, true and wholesome thoughts. They will be thoughts that will bring about nourishment, encouragement and strength to the mind.

Are we seeking to meditate on thoughts of the Lord’s Word? They are the best thoughts for us to have to overcome worry and anxiety. Let us be challenged to consider and meditate on the thoughts from the Scriptures that we may develop a good, strong mind.

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