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Scriptures to Live by: Philippians 4:8
By Ken Horn | February 6, 2008
Think about good things.
We have all heard the positive thinking slogans.
“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve.”
“Talk your dreams into reality.”
“You live what you say.”
None of these is true. But there is an element of truth in them.
The psychological mind-over-matter philosophy is wrong, as is the speak-truth-into-reality positive confession doctrine. But there is a biblical version of positive thinking that is 100% right on — and Christians should practice it every day.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) says, “Finally, brethren, 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—meditate on these things.”
This is some of the best advice for solid Christian living to be found anywhere. Get into the habit of thinking about good things.
Fill your mind with thoughts of things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report … anything virtuous or praiseworthy. This is God’s Word’s version of positive thinking. It’s not trying to convince yourself; it is filling your spirit with the best possible thoughts.
Try living in Philippians 4:8 for a few days. You will find this is one habit you won’t want to break.
Though the verse does not promise you wealth or prosperity, if you heed it, you mind, spirit, body, even your future will be more positive, promising and filled with the good things of God.
Why not try positive thinking, Bible-style?
(For all the entries in this series, go to the Scriptures to Live by: Power-Packed Passages page.)
Ken Horn
Topics: Christian living |
June 9th, 2008 at 8:10 am
A recent blog post quoted the statement I referred to above: “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Then he says: “Jesus even confirms this in the Bible when in Matthew 17:20, he states:
‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”
This is, once again, the common practice of lifting apparent proof-texts out of context.
Jesus said this in the context of the disciples attempting to cast out a demon. Jesus’ statements on faith are always qualified by the condition found in the larger context. You can do absolutely anything … as long as it is according to God’s will.