It only takes one comment, spoken thoughtlessly to get our minds going. We absorb the words deep into our hearts and minds as if it is truth, allowing it to derail us for the entire day. For the entire week. For the entire month. Perhaps longer.
We dwell on the comment, allowing it to marinate in our souls. We let it fester until it oozes out onto everything in the course of our day.
It is at those times, we need to make a mind shift.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”  (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
We have heard this verse so often, which makes it easy to miss what it is truly saying. Here are two instructions provided for us:
- “Fix your thoughts”. This means “to set firmly in the mind” (Webster’s Dictionary). When something is set firmly, it is nailed down, secured, it isn’t moving. We need to nail down securely who we are in Christ. We are loved, forgive, chosen, and redeemed.
- Remember what to think about. Not everything is worthy of our expending time on it. May our thoughts fit the criteria. Ask, “Is this excellent and worthy of praise?”. If it is not, do not waste time and energy on it.
Paul, in writing this portion, gives us further instruction.
Join me at Woman to Woman Ministries HERE as we look further into the words of Scripture and discuss how we are to fix our thoughts.
Enjoyed this Ms. Joanne. I oft remind myself, sadly after I’ve blown it, that “I need to put my brain in gear before I put my mouth in motion.” I guilty far more than I should be of speaking my mind, without applying a filter of righteousness (I use the THINK acronym) first. Great reminder ma’am.
A much-needed reminder, Joanne. Thank you.
Thanks, Joanne, I needed this.
Visiting from Maryleigh’s