THE VERSE
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.~Philippians 4:8
THE THOUGHT
Today’s verse demonstrates practically what a “renewed mind” looks like. The command in Romans 12 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” becomes a reality by putting Philippians 4:8 into practice.Most people, when they think of this verse, think of applications like “Don’t watch R-rated movies,” or “Stop thinking dirty thoughts.” And of course, the force of God’s command here does cover those areas. But look at the thrust of the text. The emphasis isn’t on what not to think about; rather, it’s on what we should think about instead. What Paul is saying here in Philippians 4 is the same as he says a couple pages over in Colossians 3: “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is… Set your minds on things that are above, not things on earth.” The point of what he is saying is this: Christ is seated above. Fix your thoughts on Him.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, is summed up in Jesus Christ. He is not just true; He is the very embodiment of God’s holiness; He is justice and righteousness incarnate. All the honor and glory in the universe derives from its relation to His personal worth. Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, is summed up in Jesus Christ. He is the “fairest of ten thousand,” His glory outshines the sun, and the beauty of His love is what our eyes were created to see and our hearts created to know. Oh, how excellent He is—a perfect Savior, our mighty God. Oh, how worthy of praise He is! He has called us from the dead, given us life and freedom and righteousness and salvation. He exceeds sum of everything true and honorable and lovely in the universe. Fix your eyes, your mind, and your heart, then, on Jesus Christ.
THE PRAYER
Jesus, You are great, beyond my heart’s ability to comprehend. I want to know more of Your glory and excellence! There is no beginning or end to Your majesty, and You are beautiful beyond description, to marvelous for words. I long for the day when I will finally meet You face to face and will fully know that there is no one who compares to You.EXTENDED READING
Philippians 4:8-9Colossians 3:1-4
John 1:14-18
THE QUOTE
"We go to Christ for forgiveness, and then too often look to the law for power to fight our sins...Take your sins to Christ's cross, for the flesh can only be crucified there: we are crucified with Him." ~Charles SpurgeonTHROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezra 8Proverbs 6
Luke 14:25-35
1 Timothy 4
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