Choosing What We Think About – Truth

Today I wanted to begin a new series on the things that change our lives. In the world today we hear a lot of talk about mindfulness, positive mental attitude, and sometimes it is even called a “Secret”.  What has always amused me is the idea that this is a new way to process life, instead of giving credit to my favorite book the Bible.

I am going to use the NIV translation of the Bible for this one.

Philippians 4:8-9 New International Version (NIV)

⁸ 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. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I want to start with the idea of focusing on whatever is true.  If we are going to use the Bible as a guide on how to live why not use it to help us understand how to look at truth.  Lets start with:

2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

In today’s world with all the talk about fake this and fake that we can take a look at what is important.  That is how we present ourselves.  I can’t do someone else, I can only be me.  And when  I start with Philippians 4:8-9 I can focus on my truth and being truthful in the various aspects of my life.  I can let the Holy Spirit guide me with discernment as to those things outside my sphere of influence as to if I should even spend any time thinking about them.  Or, perhaps I should focus on the things I can do to make the world around me better.   The Bible even has guidelines to help me figure that out.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

So you see having right thoughts, focusing on the things that will bring you peace and strength into your life is really no secret.  The Bible made these guidelines and many more to show us a way to peace that goes beyond anything that world seems to understand.  Stay tuned as the look at Philippians 4:8-9 continues when next we talk about what is noble.