"An Excellent Way Of Thinking"

By Zach Wood

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, 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.

 

 

Have you found yourself going through life lately with negative thoughts on your mind?  Do you find it hard to concentrate on positive aspects of life?  There are some people in life who constantly think negatively, while others think more positively.  Some of us have been through some really rough times and it is often hard to think positively at times.  However, we should note that it is very unhealthy to keep a consistent negative outlook. 

 

I have had personal times in my life when I have been negative for days and weeks in a row.  Ever been there and felt that way for a long time?  It does not feel good and you just wish you could snap out of the feeling.  Through these times, we must remember what Jesus Christ has done for us and think on positive aspects of life.  There are many and we just have to make the decision to think on praiseworthy things.  As Paul mentions in this powerful verse, we need to keep our minds constantly on things that are excellent and praiseworthy.  How is that done?  Hang out with positive people, preferably other Christian friends.  Most important is keeping in tune with God's Word.  That sounds like a Sunday School answer, but it is so true!  If we want to keep a positive, Christ-like attitude, we must be in the Word and focus on things that bring God praise. 

 

Paul knew what it meant to focus on positive and Godly things.  As much as he experienced, he would have had more reason than anyone(other than Jesus) to focus on negative things.  However, he constantly brought God praise through his trials. 

 

This past weekend, my wife and I attended the Minnesota Christian Convention in Rochester, MN.  We were very blessed to hear Matt Proctor, President of Ozark Christian College, speak for three sessions.  It was amazing how he was used by God to remind us how to think positively and focus on God's greatness!  I was personally moved to think more of how awesome and incredible God is instead of focusing so much on negative things that happen in my life. 

 

My prayer is that we all would learn, as the Apostle Paul explained, how to live a more excellent life for Christ in our thinking.  We can either choose to think excellent and positive thoughts or negative thoughts.  Let us focus our minds and hearts on the positive things of life and all the awesome ways God has blessed us!