Our behaviors are affected – and even jump-started – by our thoughts. What we think about, we do. thinking

So that’s why the Apostle Paul, through the mentoring of the Holy Spirit, felt it was important to include verse eight in Philippians chapter four.

“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.”

Whatever is true: Think about what is factual and accurate in a situation. Don’t get caught up in half-truths. Watch out for the deception of Satan. His best trap is to make us believe something that isn’t really true.

Whatever is noble: We need to think about the morals that are important to us. Focus on developing our most polite and gallant selves. Be decent persons as we think about honorable principles.

Whatever is right: Come on – we all know the difference between right and wrong. Don’t blur the lines. Think about what is right and then do it.

Whatever is pure: “Would Jesus enjoy this TV show? Would He go to this movie with us? Would He click onto this internet site?” If we are Jesus-followers, then He lives within us. When we think about and do impure things, we force Him to participate with us. And that hurts His Spirit.

Whatever is lovely: Focus on the beauty of creation; the red cardinal standing on a mound of snow, the tiny fingernails of a newborn, the purples and terra cottas of sunsets. In a world of ugly behaviors, think about what is lovely.

Whatever is admirable: What do we want people to remember about us? What are the qualities we admire in others? Those are the things to think about and strive for.

Think about excellence and what is worthy of praise. Strive for the thoughts that are admirable and outstanding. Then merge those thoughts into action and watch what happens.

Excellent thoughts become excellent behaviors.

©2013 GateWay of Hope Ministries – The Helping Place for Hurting Women