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. 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.

Philippians 4:8-9

 

Ever sit around with your thoughts flitting around in your mind, like a butterfly lighting on one flower after another? …or one weed after another?

Thoughts about the past, the present, and what may be in the future. Good thoughts. Bad thoughts. Some bring sadness. Others bring pleasure. They go round and round in your head while you ruminate, like a cow chewing her cud. Warm and comfortable in your easy chair you sit, immobile. Maybe far too comfortable?

However, the apostle Paul tells us we have to be careful where we let our thoughts take us – careful to focus on that which is beautiful, positive, healthy – godly. We have to make a conscious effort to do so. By dwelling on what is good and true, ugly thinking becomes impossible. We start to align ourselves with God and his character, bringing his presence and his peace into our lives.

But thinking is not all it’s about. We must also practice what God puts in our heart. Going back to a poem by Rudyard Kipling I’ve often quoted from: In “If” he wrote, “If you can think and not make thoughts your aim.” I just love that!

Thinking is not the end purpose of our life, nor is the peace our good thinking brings with it. So much better for our aim to be using the peace and love that comes from God to do his work. Stir yourself from your chair and make life happen – in more places than in your mind alone.

What you choose to think about and dwell on will determine what kind of person you will become and what you will be able to do. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7 AMP)

marja