Renew Your MindSýnishorn

Day 11: Think About These Things

Scripture:
"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. Put what you have learned, received, heard, or seen in me into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." – Philippians 4:8–9 (NIV)

Devotional:

The mind is not just a battlefield; it’s also a garden. What you plant in it will grow. Thoughts are like seeds: if you plant negativity, anxiety, and doubt, you’ll reap fear and unrest. But if you plant truth, beauty, and virtue, you’ll reap peace, joy, and clarity. Paul’s words in Philippians 4 are not just a list of good ideas; they are a practical filter for shaping your thought life around the presence and peace of God.

Notice the active invitation: “Think about such things.” You don’t wait for good thoughts to come; you choose them. You seek out what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. You train your mind to dwell on the things that reflect the character and glory of Christ.

Let’s walk through this list slowly and reflectively:

• Whatever is true – What aligns with God’s Word? Truth sets you free. Lies bind. Fill your mind with Scripture, not speculation.
• Whatever is noble – What lifts your thinking to a higher place? Noble thoughts honor others and respect the weight of godly character.
• Whatever is right – What is just and aligned with God’s standards? Not everything familiar is righteous. Filter your thoughts through God’s moral clarity.
• Whatever is pure – What is uncontaminated by sin or selfishness? Purity in thought cultivates purity in action.
• Whatever is lovely – What stirs beauty, harmony, or joy? Not all beauty is superficial. God’s loveliness renews the soul.
• Whatever is admirable – What is worth talking about, celebrating, or emulating? Focus on what builds up, not what tears down.
• If anything is excellent or praiseworthy – What reflects the excellence of Christ? Dwell on what would make heaven applaud.

Paul doesn’t just want us to think better; he calls us to live better. He adds, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice.” Thought and action go hand in hand. Godly thinking should produce a godly living.

And what’s the result? “The God of peace will be with you.” Peace doesn’t just come from the absence of conflict; it comes from the presence of God. And His presence rests on the mind that is set on Him.

So, how do we apply this practically?

1. Create a filter. As thoughts enter your mind, ask: Is this true? Noble? Right? Pure? Lovely? Let God’s criteria override your natural impulses.
2. Monitor your inputs. What are you watching, listening to, and reading? What environments are shaping your mindset? Feed your soul with things that reflect God’s goodness.
3. Speak the truth aloud. Say it. Sing it. Share it. When you speak what’s true and good, your mind aligns with it.
4. Practice gratitude. Gratitude shifts your attention to what’s praiseworthy and excellent. It reorients you to see God at work.
5. Model what you think. Let others see your renewed mind through your words, choices, relationships, and values.

This thought pattern is more than positive thinking; it is Christ-centered thinking. It’s not ignoring pain or pretending hardship doesn’t exist. It’s choosing to look through the lens of redemption, hope, and eternal perspective. It’s focusing your mind so entirely on Jesus that the world's noise fades, and God's peace takes center stage.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving me a clear standard for what to think about. Help me reject every thought that is harmful, deceptive, or unworthy. Train my mind to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Let my thoughts be a reflection of who you are. May your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. It is in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen.