Read:
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Think:
Paul unfolds a blueprint for the careful guiding and guarding of our minds. He paints a picture of the boundaries we establish for our thoughts, a map for our mental compass. As we continue this journey, let's revisit the foundation laid yesterday – placing our minds on the unassailable Truth that resides in Jesus himself. Through this intimacy with Christ, we sharpen our discernment, swiftly identifying counterfeit versus the real deal.
Paul beckons us to ponder what is "noble," directing our thoughts toward the virtuous, honorable, and upright. The concept of honor in the New Testament, mentioned four times, resonates deeply, reflecting the strength of a person's character and essence. But we can't confuse this honor with the chivalry of medieval knights; instead, our ultimate standard is Christ, the epitome of honor and character. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Paul assures us that we can model Jesus – living unselfishly, with courage, strength, and unwavering stability. We exemplify his transformative power and reflect his light in a world that yearns for authenticity.
Apply:
Your character speaks. Are you living in a way and thinking in a way of “honor,” of “noble”? Are your thoughts uplifting?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, you are every aspect of honor. Help me to focus my thoughts on you. Enable me to model your thoughts and actions so people can see you through me. In Jesus' name. Amen.