What does it mean to 'think about these things' in Philippians 4:8?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that our thoughts matter. Philippians 4:8 tells readers to focus on the “honorable,” “just,” “pure,” “lovely,” “commendable,” “excellence,” and “anything worthy of praise.” Part of receiving peace from God includes thinking about true, lovely, praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8; Isaiah 26:3). Paul exhorted readers to inventory all the inspiring things in their lives and meditate on the goodness of God as evidenced by those blessings. Doing this helps us to pray with thanksgiving. Recognizing God’s blessings increases our trust in Him and relieves our anxiety. Many psalms also convey the benefits of an uplifting and worshipful thought life. The Bible teaches that we rejoice not only with our mouths but also in our minds (Psalm 104:34). Such thoughts help to protect us from unrighteous behavior (Psalm 1:1–2) and from conforming to the world (Romans 12:1–2; Colossians 3:1–3). The Lord, in His mercy and love, has used His Word to teach us the blessings that come from thoughts focused on Him and His goodness.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Psalm 1:1–2 connects meditating on God’s precepts to righteous behavior: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” The psalmist implies that meditating on the Lord’s law helps him stand strong against evil influences.
• Psalm 104:34 emphasizes the importance of our thought life, much like Philippians 4:8 does: “May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” Our thoughts affect every part of our life, including our worship. The psalmist wants his thoughts to be part of his rejoicing in the Lord.
• Isaiah 26:3 is part of a longer song of praise and celebration that will be sung when God’s people are restored: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” The “you” in this passage is God. All the positive attributes presented in Philippians 4:8 could be summarized by this passage of keeping our focus on God, the one “worthy of praise.”

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Philippians 4:8 is Paul’s encouragement to believers in Philippi to rejoice in the Lord with their thoughts: “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.” Having the right mindset is a big part of our worship. No matter the circumstances, focusing on all the good God has blessed us with will help us experience His peace (Philippians 4:4–9).
• Romans 12:2 shows that our thought life helps us to resist conforming to the world: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The “renewal” of our minds helps us discern God’s will.
• Like Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2 conveys the importance of what we place our mental focus on: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Christians should not focus on worldly pursuits (1 John 2:15–17) but on God’s divine purposes. We should see our earthly lives with an eternal perspective (Colossians 3:1–17).
• As in Philippians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 shows the direction our thoughts should take—a mindset of gratitude and worship: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” God wants the best for His children. When we follow God’s will for us by focusing on what He has given us and our relationship with Him through prayer, we are blessed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

What’s on your mind? That casual question is much more than a conversation opener. Scripture teaches that our thought life affects our worship, our walk with the Lord, and our outlook on the world. Setting our mind on the glorious blessings the Lord has given us and on His goodness changes our attitude. The Bible teaches that we should “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, emphasis added). Lose your job? Which reaction is likely to be more glorifying to God and more beneficial to you: Thinking vengeful thoughts about your boss, railing at politicians for the bad economy, or getting on your knees and thanking the Lord that you had that job and asking Him to guide your next steps? This isn’t to be confused with the New Age “power of positive thinking;” seeing it that way cheapens the Bible’s advice about our thought life. Rather, our thoughts are another opportunity to rejoice in the Lord and worship Him as the Giver of all blessings and the One who will guide our next steps. A worshipful thought life glorifies God and is a blessing to us. The Lord, in His mercy and love, has used His Word to teach us the blessings that come from thoughts focused on Him and His goodness.

UNDERSTAND

• Believers are called to concentrate on things that are honorable, just, and pure.
• Meditating on what is good transforms our perspective and focus.
• Renewing the mind helps resist worldly pressures and discern God’s will.

REFLECT

• What occupies your thoughts daily? How does thinking on these things impact your perspectives, attitudes, and actions?
• How does your thought life impact your spiritual health?
• What steps can you take to cultivate goodness and gratitude in your thoughts?

ENGAGE

• What is our role in renewing our mind according to Romans 12:1–2?
• How can meditating on God’s Word assist us in discerning His will and knowing how to live in a way that is pleasing to Him?
• What role does community play in focusing on what we think about? How can we encourage others to “think about these things”?