Bible reading in one year: Isaiah 30 & 31; Philippians 4
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” – Philippians 4:8 (KJV).
To experience God’s peace and freedom from anxiety, believers must fix their minds on those things that are true, noble, right, pure etc. If you do these things, says Paul, “the God of peace will be with you”.
The result of allowing our minds to be occupied with ungodly things of the world is that the joy, nearness and peace of God are lost and our hearts are no longer guarded. This verse also speaks of the influence of a person’s thoughts and attitude on his or her life. Whatsoever occupies a person’s thinking will eventually work its way out in words or actions (Matt 5:28).
Paul follows up the challenge of “think about such things” with telling the believers to put them into practice. The qualities and character traits listed in the passage above will lead to healthy thought patterns that will lead to a life of moral purity and spiritual fitness. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” -Proverbs 23:7a (KJV).