Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Every human being has a daily choice - to live randomly or live intentionally with purpose.
As Christians, we are to live intentionally or with intentionality, which is a life according to God's plan, Gods word and Gods purpose.
But the most intense Christian faces an enemy within himself - the mind. The mind is random and leads us into thoughts which create fear, uncertainty and doubt. Or lead us into dreams based on untruths. The mind can take us into a false paradise or into a false hell. No matter how logical or intelligent we are, reaching a conclusion based on truth is an uphill task because each of us has a different truth - governed by logic and probability - and which is changing constantly. So what does one do? Where do we anchor our minds?
The answer is obvious: Gods truth and Gods word is constant. Never changing.
But, while we can try and anchor in the word of God, the outside world still crowds our minds - and uncertainty and doubts and fears still assail us. We therefore need a filter for our minds - not to block out world but to live within this world and yet let only His word dwell in our minds because that's where it all starts.
We therefore need a filter and the quoted verse tells us how to create that filter, with knowledge of the Word of God. That is where Christian maturity comes in.
Maturity is the ability to choose your thoughts rather than letting your thoughts choose you. You are the gatekeeper of your imagination, and you have the authority to deny entry to any thought that does not align with the peace of God. When you intentionally focus on what is true, lovely, and of a good report, you are not simply ignoring the harsh realities of life; you are choosing to dwell in a higher reality that governs the lower one. Because God has your life and it's actions in His hand. We don't. Therefore, He creates the reality, we don't. If he has promised healing - it will happen. If He has promised abundance it will happen. But: In His wisdom and His time.
Basis this, spiritual maturity is found in the believer who has learned to shut the door on spiraling unreal, anxious thoughts before they have a chance to take root and grow into a harvest of panic. Strengthening your walk involves a daily cleaning of the mental filter by washing your mind with the Word. As you choose to think on these things, you will find that your outlook becomes bright and your spirit becomes resilient against the storms of life. Let your mind be a sanctuary of hope that reflects the light of Christ to a dark world. Yield your focus to the leading of the Holy Spirit today and watch how He transforms your perspective.
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