Meditate On These Things
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
whatever thing are of good report, it there is any virtue
and if there is anything praiseworthy –
mediate on these things.”
I was thinking about this verse the other day. The concept goes contrary to what our society teaches. It seems like everywhere we go we are bombarded with immorality and lies. TV and Movies try to subtly suggest that lying isn’t really so bad, if the circumstances are right. Magazines and Newspapers suggest that we forget modesty and wear the latest fashions, no matter how immodest they may be. The media always wants to share the latest gossip about Hollywood celebrities, and there are even people who will tell you that adultery is acceptable.
We claim to be sold out to Jesus, but sometimes we get caught up in the world’s program. Sometimes we spend far too much time worrying about the latest fashions, the newest movies, or so-and-so’s new relationship. It’s not worthy of our time. We’re children of the King. Such foolish things should not so easily captivate our minds. We need to bring “every thought into captivity.”1 Our mind should be focused on things that please the Lord. Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.
Whatever things are true. This seems fairly straightforward. We’re to focus on the truth; That which is genuine. Perhaps we might take this to mean that we should focus on true doctrine, Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, or His Word.
Whatever things are noble. We don’t use this word so much today. It’s rather a pity, for it a beautiful word. Webster defines it as that which is great, elevated, dignified, or above everything that can dishonor reputation. This is what we are to set our minds on. Things that are noble, worthy of consideration.
Whatever things are just. Thayer defines it as that which is upright, righteous, or virtuous. We should focus on the actions that are right and glorifying to God. Every thought we entertain should be glorifying to God.
Whatever things are pure. Focus on whatever is clean, chaste or innocent. Satan would love nothing more than to have our thoughts focused on that which is impure. He is quite skilled at shoving impurity in our path. It comes in every form of entertainment: movies, television, books, magazines and radios. Yet God desires that we be blameless before Him, not only in our actions, but in our thoughts as well.
Whatever things are lovely. Thayer defines it as that which is acceptable and pleasing. Of course this should be pleasing to the Lord, not to our flesh. Perhaps we might take pleasure in mediating on the loveliness of all He has created, or His goodness that is shown in so many ways.
Whatever is of good report. We should think about that which is commendable 2, admirable 3, or reputable 4. We could focus on the wonderful growth we’ve seen in the life of another believer, or the success of a friend.
If there is any virtue. The ESV translates it the word “virtue” as “excellence.” God wants us to set our mind on that which is the best. Not merely that which is decent, but that which is exceptionally good.
If there is anything praiseworthy. The Worldwide English New Testament says, “if they bring praise to God, think about these things.” That sums it up perfectly! If it brings praise the God, that is something worth thinking about.
Meditate on these things. Esteem or take inventory of these things. If it is true, worthy of consideration, glorifying to God, blameless, acceptable, commendable, excellent and something that brings praise to God, we should give it our attention and make note of it.
In our society focusing on things which pleases the Lord is not an easy task, but it is one that God commands. There will be people who think we’re nuts. There will be those who try to convince us to do otherwise, but if we will stand firm and obey the Lord, He will be pleased.
