Thursday, January 28, 2016

Think on These Things: Philipippians 4:8-9


Our thought-life matters.  It not only affects our attitude, but it also our actions.  Jesus tells his disciples that they are to observe the birds and the fields (Matthew 6:25-33).  His main purpose in giving this command is not for us to be environmentalist, but that we will keep our vision of life in perspective.  If God takes care of the birds and the fields, and if we are more valuable to God than the birds and the field, than how much more will God take care of us?  Therefore, worry is useless, and it also distracts us from what deserves our attention; the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:33).  If you are struggling with anxiety, take some time to follow Jesus’s command: Focus on God’s Kingdom, and trust that God will take care of you. 
     The decision to focus on the Kingdom of God not only affects our behavior, but it also affects our actions.  Notice the flow of Peter’s argument in 1st Peter 1:13-16.  He commands us to pay attention and set our hope on the grace that will be given to us at the return of Christ, and then he draws the conclusion that if we are focused on the return of Jesus than our lifestyle will be holy.
     What we think about matters.  Therefore, let us be careful what we put into our minds, whether it is foolish counsel, gossip, mindless television shows, or impure music lyrics.  What you put into your minds affects your outlook on life, your attitude, and your actions.  Wouldn’t it be better to be like the tree planted by the rivers of waters that brings forth fruit in its season (Psalm 1).      

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