News reports blared from the T.V. “A bomb exploded…” “In southside, a shooting …” This candidate verbally attacked…” “War!” Jennifer held her hands over her ears. “I don’t want to hear anymore!” she cried. “Isn’t there any positive news?”
Yes, there is positive news! Read these!
Doesn’t reading this positive news make us feel better? Then get ready to feel better as we combat the negative with the positive!
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true,
whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report:
if there is any virtue and if there is any praise,
think about these things,
Philippians 4:8 WEB
HOW DO WE THINK ON THOSE THINGS?
TUNE IN
In order to combat the negative, we have to do more than Jennifer, who simply covered her ears. Like a soldier, we need to tune in to our surroundings. What are we listening to, reading and watching? Whether it’s the internet, music or TV, we can combat the negative with the positive by focusing our thoughts and actions on positive things.
Focusing on positive things is a decision that benefits our entire being and makes us feel better. It even affects our actions, because all of our actions start with a thought. The Philippians verse not only teaches us how to think, but how to act in every area of our lives.
Whatever is true –
IDENTIFY THE TRUTH
What am I hearing: truth or lies? By identifying which it is, we can ensure we are thinking on whatever is true. We can identify truth by comparing it to the scriptures. If it doesn’t line up with the Word of God, it isn’t truth. God’s truth can lift our spirits and set us free. It shows us how to act in love and obey His true commandments.
The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever,
Psalm 119:160
Whatever is honorable –
RELY ON A MENTOR
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a mentor to help us navigate difficult situations? When we are surrounded by people who are not always ethical or moral, it can make thinking and acting honorably challenging. Especially if they are the boss. Don’t worry. God’s got us covered. Besides giving us His scriptures to help us identify what is honorable, He gave us a mentor: the Holy Spirit!
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come,
He will guide you into all truth;
for He will not speak on His own authority,
but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come,
John 16:13
Whatever is Just –
CLEAR OUR VISION
When injustice turns our vision red, it can dominate our thinking. Yet, that only makes it grow into retaliation and unforgiveness. What do we do? In faith we call on Jesus. His love is powerful enough to clear our vision to see His positive thoughts on the matter.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
bless those who curse you,
do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:44
A clearer vision may result in positive action preventing future injustice as Mothers Against Drunk Driving did.
Learn to do good; Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow,
Isaiah 1:17
Whatever is pure –
CHECK OUR MOTIVES
What thoughts are motivating our actions? Are they pure? If unsure, check them out by asking the Lord for His wisdom. He will reveal our motivation and guide us to act with pure motives.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy,
James 3:17
Whatever is lovely, of good report-
ADD IN LOVE
Whatever could be more positive and lovely than God’s love?
Nothing! As we pour all the virtuous thoughts in Philippians 4:8 into our hearts and minds, they will be reflected in actions worthy of a good report. And a good report always makes us feel good, doesn’t it? It may take a little effort to combat the negative with the positive, but because of God’s greats love for us, we can have faith that He has provided all that we need to think and act virtuously.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness,
through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and virtue.
Now for this very reason, making every effort,
add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
2 Peter 1:3,5 TLV
REFLECTION
Are you struggling with negative thoughts? In faith, can you ask God to help?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write Philippians 4:8 and say it aloud, help me to identify Your truth and redirect my thoughts to Your positive virtues in every area of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
BY FAITH, THINK ON POSITIVE THINGS
May your day be filled with love and laughter,
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
1 goodnewsnetwork.org
2 Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Photo dog, Cookie the Pom
Photo binoculars, Jenna Day
Photo Bible, Emmanuel-Phaeton
