Thoughts are Key

Chuckle: "I just got skylights put in my place. The people who live above me are furious."

Quote: “All the events in your life are a mirror image of your thoughts.” –Unknown source

"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 on such things" (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV).

Many people carry key rings containing many keys. Sometimes they fumble trying to find the right key to open the door leading to where they want to go. We can find ourselves frustrated and anxious in such situations. The right key is the answer. The same is true in our spiritual life. We may search and search to find the key to a closer walk and fellowship with God. The key that Paul shows us will help us get from where we are to where we can realize God's promise of peace and fulfillment.

Paul's key is to "think on such things" as he enumerated in our passage. In other words, he tells us to allow only godly thoughts to fill our minds. These words mean to ponder, dwell, and concentrate on such praiseworthy things. If we want to draw nearer to God, the thoughts we entertain will make the difference. This is because our actions will reflect the thoughts of our hearts. Holy thoughts will result in holy words and actions. Jesus said, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34b NIV).

This theme is emphasized in Romans 12:2b NLT, "but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." When we think on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable things our lives will reflect such thoughts and we will draw closer to God. As Christians, we know it is the Holy Spirit who guides us to entertain godly thoughts. It's only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our thoughts that we become truly transformed. Under the control of the Holy Spirit, we will be on the offensive to fill our minds with thoughts and values totally different from those of the world.

Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? If so, you might consider what you are putting into your mind from TV, books, conversations, movies, and magazines and replace the polluted input with wholesome material. Above all, study God's Word and pray -- asking God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. Then you will be motivated to put your wholesome thoughts into godly words and actions. In the process, you will grow spiritually and draw closer to your Lord.

Love, Jerry & Dotse