Think correctly! Paul has been encouraging the Philippians to think rightly and to keep their hearts and minds on Christ Jesus. This passage is a practical blueprint for cultivating peace and maintaining a Christ-centered mindset in the midst of life’s challenges. His call to “think on these things” provides not only a strategy for overcoming mental and emotional turmoil but also an essential foundation for living a life marked by peace.
Think /meditate/ on these things. Period. Our mind can race to 1,000 other places, such as work, our personal and school lives, or pressure with colleagues, but Paul says for us to think on THESE things, and we will have peace despite the circumstances.
- Whatever is true
- Whatever is honorable
- Whatever is just
- Whatever is pure
- Whatever is lovely
- Whatever is commendable
- Whatever has excellence and is worthy of praise
As we meditate on these things, the God of peace will keep us. When the mind is preoccupied with thoughts that are consistent with Christ’s character, it becomes easier to extend forgiveness to students, colleagues, or parents who may cause frustration or disruption. In addition, it will lighten the pressures of writing assessments that truly reflect the standards and the learning criteria which inform our instructional plans. Pressures will fade away and not dominate our hearts toward worry when we “think on these things”…. You can do it!
After careful reflection, please answer these questions:
- As a leader, mindset is important. Write a response about how to keep your mind centered on godly thoughts instead of allowing worry to dominate.
- How does having a mindset focused on good things lead to action, and what is the relationship between thinking and doing in the Christian life?
- In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to maintain a Philippians 4:8 mindset?
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