I’m not sure about you, but -being honest and open in my growth- my mind is filled with some pretty stupid things sometimes. It may be regrets from poor decisions made, ungodly entertainment that I chose in the past which stills steps forward in my memories today (sometimes replaying scenes of which I don’t want to be reminded), nonsensical ideas, anger-filled assumptions (many times misconstrued) and imaginary arguments, jealous and covetous desires -rousing bitterness, worried thoughts, the list can go on and on. My mind often doesn’t want to shut up! Y’all feel me?
As Christians, what should our thought patterns look like when we allow the Holy Spirit to take captive our thoughts, teaching them to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)?
To answer this, I took to a breakdown of Philippians 4:8
In this passage, we are given some insight as to what we should think about—or, in proper context, dwell on. The original Greek word for “dwell” is logizomai. Its original intent in this Scripture is “to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on… a thing, with a view to obtaining it” (Blue Letter Bible). It is a verb, an active engagement. The purpose for Paul’s usage of this passage is to instruct those in Philippi to “fill their minds with things that will inspire worship of God and service to others” (ESV Study). Paul was using this part of his letter to the Philippians to exhort (to give strong warning or advice; an urgent appeal – per Merriam Webster) and encourage.
So what did he say they should dwell on? (Also fitting for us today)
Things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and commendable.
True– alēthēs- a literal adjective, “things that are not hidden/concealed” (BLB). True, by basic definition, is “being in accordance with the actual state of affairs… conformable to an essential reality…consistent, steadfast, honest, loyal, just, narrow, strict, logically necessary, corrected for error” (Merriam Webster).
Honorable – semnos – adjective, “to be venerated for character, honourable of deeds…serious, grave… Trench (Syn. xcii) points out that ‘grave’ and ‘gravity’ fail to cover the full meaning of their original; ‘the word we want is one in which the sense of gravity and dignity is combined.’ Cremer describes it as denoting what inspires reverence and awe, and says that semnos and hosios, ‘holy, consecrated,’ are only secondary designations of the conception of holiness. ‘The word points to seriousness of purpose and to self-respect in conduct’ (Moule). “ (BLB). Honorable, by basic definition, properly coinciding with the appropriate intent, is “deserving of respect or high regard : deserving of honor… characterized by integrity : guided by a keen sense of duty and ethical conduct” (Merriam Webster).
Right– dikaios – adjective- “upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God;” in regards to “that which regard for duty demands, what is right… In the NT it denotes ‘righteous,’ a state of being right, or right conduct, judged whether by the Divine standard, or according to human standards, of what is right. Said of God, it designates the perfect agreement between His nature and His acts (in which He is the standard for all men)” (BLB). Right, by basic definition, properly coinciding with the appropriate intent, “righteous, upright, being in accordance with what is just, good, or proper, genuine, real” (Merriam Webster).
Pure– hagnos – adjective – “chaste…pure from every fault, immaculate… ‘pure from defilement, not contaminated’ (from the same root as hagios, ‘holy’)” (BLB). Pure, by basic definition, properly coinciding with the appropriate intent, is “free from all taint (to contaminate morally : CORRUPT) of what is lewd (obscene, vulgar, evil, wicked) or salacious (lustful, arousing or appealing to sexual desire or imagination)” (Merriam Webster).
Lovely – prosphilēs – adjective- “acceptable, pleasing…agreeable… (pros, ‘toward,’ phileo, ‘to love’)” (BLB). Lovely, by basic definition, properly coinciding with the appropriate intent, does *not* concur with things of physical beauty. In other words, the correct usage in context does not pertain to outward appearance, adornment, or aesthetics. The correct usage concerns “harmony, grace, (being) lovable (having qualities that attract affection)” (Merriam Webster).
Commendable – euphēmos – adjective- “of good repute… things spoken in a kindly spirit, with good-will to others… sounding well; uttering words of good omen, speaking auspiciously…of good report, gracious” (BLB). Commendable, by basic definition, properly coinciding with the appropriate intent, good reputation… “to entrust for care or preservation…to recommend as worthy…in the looser sense (things that are) ‘approv[ed], admir[ed], or praise[d]’ “ (Merriam Webster). *Not* meaning one’s thoughts/desires are to be praised – puffed up, arrogant, prideful or bragging. But thoughts which are praiseful to God. Thoughts that are with good intention and goodwill toward others. Acting in a manner so that others think and speak well of you.
May you and I both take time to read, study, and really reflect on each of these aspects and how they measure up with our ways of thinking.
References
All Scripture (unless otherwise noted): English Standard Version Bible. 2021. BibleHub.com and
English Standard Version Bible. 2016. Crossway
Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved March 28, 2021, from https://www.blueletterbible.org/
“Exhort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhort. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021.
“True.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021.
“Honorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021.
“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pure. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021.
“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lovely. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021.
“Commend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commend. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021.