And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

In the previous verses we’ve read over the last couple of days, Paul has discussed the choice to be joyful and then how to live in peace, but I imagine it is sometimes a little difficult for many of us and so Paul continues with the very familiar verse above.

Here’s an example. When considering the Biblical standards of marriage and sexuality, many in the world around us tell us what is false is true. But, Paul delivers his prescription for us to think about what is true and honorable and right. The word he uses here suggests more than just giving the good a passing thought. We are to fix our thoughts and I’ve heard others suggest the idea of meditation on what is good and pure and admirable.

How? As we saw last week, part of the problem we face is our lack of saying “no” to things that tear us down. We can be so consumed by what is going on around us, that we lose sight of what strengthens us.

So, we should limit the negative influences in our lives (speaking directly to me now) and then pursue what is excellent and pure and I think there is no greater place than to read and think about what the Bible has to say about what is true and good. Listen to music that inspires your faith. Read a book that challenges you.

What helps you?