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Meditate on These Things
Meditate on These Things
“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).
When was the last time you meditated? Meditating can be simply taking time to be deeply focused on something for a designated period of time. God through Paul tells us to focus on what is good. I often find myself focusing on the problems that the next day may bring instead of on what God has told me to focus on. Following God’s instruction will lead us toward a life on earth that is full of the things we are meditating on. A life full of truth, nobility, justice, purity, love, goodness, virtue, and praise may seem unattainable, but meditating on these things is the way to attain them.
Our thoughts can very easily lead us toward what we are thinking about. If you were riding your bike and there was a fence along your right side that you did not want to run into, your fear of that fence could lead you to focus on it. By focusing on what you want to avoid, you will likely start to veer right into that fence. The way to avoid the fence would be to put it out of your mind and focus on the open road in front of you. The meditation list from Paul is the open road we want to be focused on. Similar to a veering bike, once our thoughts gain momentum toward the wrong thing it can be very difficult to get our thoughts going toward the right thing. The adversary tempts us to meditate on things that are false so that we will live lives full of lies and confusion. The Lord tells us to meditate on what is true so that our lives full of confidence in Christ.
Here is a list of verses which, in my mind, exemplifies each attribute of Paul’s list. I would encourage you to make your own compilation of verses that exemplify each characteristic from Philippians 4.8. It will be a helpful period of meditation as you take time to focus on your relationship with God and His Word, and it will be an aid to you in the future when the adversary is tempting you. When you are tempted to believe the lies of the adversary, return back to your list, and focus on the verse you chose that exemplifies truth.
Finally, brethren,
Whatever things are true: There’s no better source of truth than the Bible. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17.17). Read it often!
Whatever things are noble: Paul also uses this adjective to describe the honorable quality of people like elders and deacons (1 Tim. 3:8). Follow good role models! Not many are found in pop culture.
Whatever things are just: God is the ultimate standard of right and just; see Romans 7:12 “the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” Let us take our ethical cues from our
Whatever things are pure: This word is related to “holy.” With sexual immorality splashed on every screen and page, examples of wholesome relationships are refreshing. “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3.17). Pursue a morally pure lifestyle!
Whatever things are lovely: Paul is not saying we learn to appreciate flowers. The word is pros-philes “toward love.” Meditate upon things that speak of the quality of love and encourage you to show sacrificial love to others. Observe good deeds and notice the effects they have on the recipients. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5.25). Get involved in service, and the compassion of Christ will bubble up within you!
Whatever things are of good report: There are subjects of conversation that inspire. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven!” (Matthew 5.16).
If there is any virtue: “… giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1.5-7). Concentrate on things which display moral excellence, rather than moral degradation!
And if there is anything praiseworthy: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4.11). Know the one who is worth praising, our Creator.
. . . meditate on these things.
— William Speer
