Phil 4:8-9 Filter your thoughts

Phil 4:8-9

⁸ 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. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Notes:

Paul speaks about the nature of our thoughts and 8 guiding principles of how it shud it be:

* true 

* noble

* right

* pure

* lovely 

* admirable

* excellent

* praiseworthy

     These 8 principles should be like a filter for our thoughts. If what we think or meditate on, does not fall into these category then 'out it goes'. Most of our actions are based on the way we think. If we are angry inside we tend to do things angrily and everything will upset us. Similarly these positive thoughts will have a positive impact on our actions.

        Paul goes on to explain that we should put to practice what we have learned, received, seen or heard from him. It would make us hypocrites to read the word, understand it and not put it to practice. We need to grow more into His image each day and we can do this only by living out what the word teaches us. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, enable me to filter my thoughts and meditate only on those which is pleasing to you as you have taught in these verses. I seek to obey the Holy Spirit who guides me each and every moment. Help me to 'take captive of every thought' so that I obey you (2 Cor 10:5) Guide me to put to practice all that you are teaching me and also be a blessing to others.

In Jesus mighty name

Amen