Who or what influences your thinking? What kinds of thoughts do you encourage and what do you discourage on a regular basis.

We looked at Philippians 4:8 a few days ago in regard to making decisions, but as I continued to reflect on the verse I felt I had under-emphasized the importance our thoughts have on our lives.

Let’s look at it again: Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. (NIV)

I was a teen during the hippie generation. The expression “free thinker” was heard often. It meant we were free to think our own thoughts even if they went counter to what others thought. But in reality it became one of letting the crowd influence our thoughts instead of the “establishment.”

What kind of outlook on life is presented by the world around you – through your friends, the TV, movies, Internet…? This is your intellectual food. It nourishes your mind in much the same way that the food you put into your mouth nourishes your body. If you eat healthy food you will have a healthy body. If you eat junk food you will be less healthy. If you eat spoiled or poisoned food you will definitely suffer.

It is important to consider the things you let influence your thinking. Re-read today’s scripture verse. . . . . . . . How can you assure yourself that you will think about whatever is…true, ..noble, ..right, ..pure, ..lovely, ..admirable, ..excellent. or praiseworthy? In the same way that we choose what we put in our mouths, we can choose what we put in our minds. We can choose the best TV or radio programs – or turn them off if there is nothing of merit available. We can listen to angry rap songs until we too become angry at the world, or we can listen to music or speakers that will fill us with life-giving messages that make us whole. And we can seek out healthy options for reading, with God’s Word at the top of the list.

Father God, help us to truly want what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy to fill our minds and give us hope as we face the days ahead.

Photo credit: Adapted by Janice D. Green from painting by Ramona Richardson, used with permission