What Are You Thinking About?

January 1, 2008

By Dorothy Rugg

"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 about such things" (Philippians 4:8, NIV).

So that we might experience God's peace and freedom from anxiety, we are encouraged in this Scripture to dwell on things that will bring wholeness into our lives.

New Year's is a wonderful time to focus on the good things in your life, the blessings God has given you — family, friends, your home, beautiful surroundings, church, the freedoms you enjoy in this nation. It is important to spend time praising God for His goodness, meditate on Scriptures and ask yourself how you can apply God's Word to your life.

Just as it is beneficial to focus on uplifting thoughts, it is important to guard against thoughts that fail the Philippians 4:8 test. We guard our minds by being careful about what we watch on TV, the type of music we listen to, the books and magazines we read, and what kind of talk we listen to or participate in.

If we allow our thoughts to be controlled by the world's standards we lose the purity and innocence God brings into our lives through the ministry of His Spirit. This year, determine not to be caught up in negative thinking, immoral thinking, any thinking that separates you from the truth of God's Word and the peace and joy it brings.

Watch your thought life. Guard your heart and mind. Watch what you think.

-- James and Dorothy Rugg pastor Mill City AG in Dalton, Pa.