FRIDAY October 4, 2024
The Battle for the Mind
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Paul’s final advice to combat worry and anxiety was to engage in the raging war of the battle for your mind. Are you constantly thinking about your problems and anxieties? Some believers battle with lies in their mind, thinking they are worthless. Others battle with thinking impure thoughts. Paul made a list of things to help discipline our minds into right thinking.
In each case, we are to think on things that are true. Truth is found in God’s Word: The entirety of Your word is truth... (Psalm 119:160). God is true: But the LORD is the true God... (Jeremiah 10:10). Jesus is truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life...” (John 14:6). The Spirit is truth: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...” (John 16:13).
The word noble in the Greek language means “worthy of respect,” and just means “righteous.” Things that are pure are thoughts that are to be holy––given to all things moral and clean. The word lovely means “pleasing.” Are your thoughts respectful, righteous, clean and pleasing to God? Good report refers to “what is considered to be seeking kindness, courteousness and respect toward other people.” Thinking about what you can do for others will help you to get your eyes off yourself.
Last on the list is to meditate or think on things that are virtuous and praiseworthy. When you think on the things Paul suggests, you will win the battle for your mind. God will honor your life and give you His peace.
Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or days ... The best way to control our thoughts is to offer the mind to God in complete surrender.
~A. W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
