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Author: Nico Angleys, from the Servants of the Word, an international, ecumenical brotherhood of men living single for the Lord.

Holiness in what I think

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi is full of joyful advice and encouragement. In our verse today, we read that an aspect of our growth in holiness has to do with how we think, with what goes on in our mind and thoughts. Paul’s advice is stunningly winning: think about these things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. What a delightfully simple and beautiful list of what we should think about! This is the kind of challenge that is worth putting some mental effort into.

What are those things that true, honorable, just, etc…? What are their opposites that are perhaps a part of my regular pattern of thinking? The invitation to bring discipline, order, and goodness to our imagination and thought-life is a simple one that can begin today with small steps: what is one good thing I can spend some time thinking about today and one thing I should choose to stop dwelling on today?

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.