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Purify Your Mind
Read: Philippians 3:17-4:9
What do you spend time thinking about? What fills your mind throughout the day? What you think about is closely connected to what you feed your mind. It can be influenced by the magazines you read, the movies you watch, or the friends you hang out with. The old phrase “garbage in, garbage out” has a lot of truth. What you feed your mind influences your thoughts, which influences your attitude and your interactions with others. If you fill your mind with negative thoughts, you will likely develop a negative attitude. If you fill your mind with positive thoughts, it’s likely that you’ll have a positive attitude and will be an encouragement to others.
Paul gives a list of the things that we as believers should think about: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if any thing is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” (Phil 4:8). As we think about such things, we will develop a mind like Christ’s.
The Bible states in numerous places that we have power over our thoughts. 2 Cor 10:5 says we should “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Col. 3:1-3 states, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Being a Christian involves no longer conforming to the thought patterns of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:2). As you do this, you will be able to sense God’s guidance and his will for your life.
We have been purified, sanctified, and renewed, and our thought patterns should be evidence of this. Let the purity of your thoughts and the words that come out of your mouth be a witness to others. Start by purifying your mind so that others may see Christ through your attitude and in all that you say and do.
Reflect: Read Philippians 3:17-4:9 and reflect on the following questions:
- Do you most often find yourself thinking about things that are pure and praiseworthy or things that are less than admirable? Does it change based on what you expose yourself to or the people you hang out with?
- What implications does this passage have for what we read, watch, or listen to? How do these impact the way we think?
- Why do you think it’s important for us as believers to think about things that are pure, admirable, praiseworthy, etc.? What difference will this make in our lives?
- What does it mean to “renew your mind”?
Remember: Weekly memory verses
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7, NIV)
Going further:
Make a conscious effort this week to be aware of your thoughts. Take captive any thought that is not pure, admirable, praiseworthy, etc. and ask God to change your thoughts and renew your mind. Observe the power of positive thinking and how it influences your attitudes, the things you say and the way you interact with others.
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