“Finally, my friends, 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 (italics mine.)
I love this verse, but I think it is hard to really do this verse. How do we lasso our thoughts so that they are only of these wonderful things? Is this possible?
I think in reality the answer is no. It’s not possible to keep our minds on true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable things–all that is excellent and praiseworthy. All. The. Time. But I found some treasure under the words “think about” that gives new perspective to this verse that will help us.
“Think about” has been translated from Logizomai which has several meanings: reason, word, account. . . number. . . to put together with ones mind; to count; to occupy oneself with reckonings and calculations. . . also means to reckon, value, or esteem. . . . (Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, NIV).
Do you see what I see in these definitions? I see the words, count and number and calculations. So, rather than just thinking about the good things, we need to count them! It reminds me of Ann Voskamp’s book A Thousand Gifts. She invites the readers to count their that which is everything of Phil. 4:8 each day.
But there is another word in the definitions that I don’t want us to miss.
Value.
We live in a messed up world. Our values are tainted. We measure value with money or stuff or position. But Paul wisely instructs the Philippians to value what is true, noble (which, by the way, signifies our heavenly citizenship), right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praise worthy.
These things we should value:
Fingernail moons.
A newborn baby’s breath.
Fellowship with believers.
The Bible.
Magnolia flowers.
Sunrises.
Sunsets.
Summer rain.
God’s love. . . .
Leave a comment and continue the list of those things that have Philippians 4:8 value. Let’s see if we can get to 100 by Friday!
Praying for eyes to see the God-valuable things and count them!
Finding Purpose in Counting,
andy
PS. If you would like to watch the Periscope broadcast on this “bite” click here.
One of the things that I value is the opportunity to meet for coffee and fellowship with my dear friend Thank you for the reminder of how difficult it is to always keep my mind focused on good and noble thing. Many times I have to take my thoughts captive. My coffee buddy keeps me humble and focused.
Coffee friends are wonderful! Yes, how blessed you are. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!