Finally, brothers and sisters, 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)
Paul tells us to use our minds for holy thoughts.
Most, if not all, sinful behavior can be traced to our thought life (Jm. 1:13-15). David knew that real reform began with his thoughts (Ps. 139:23-24) and Jesus taught that murder and adultery begin in the heart, the seat of our thought life (Mt. 5:21-22, 27-30). Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified with God’s Word (Jn. 17:17) and there is no better way to rid ourselves of unwholesome thoughts than a steady diet of truth from God. Moreover, our minds are to be continually renewed so as to discern God’s will (Rom. 12:2). The Psalmist tells us that a sure defense against sin (Ps. 119:9-11) is to hide God’s Word in our hearts, as well as our computers and iPhones. How Philippians 4:8 bears on our time before the television or computer is obvious. We should never be entertained by that which is an abomination to our God. We must be “wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (Rom. 16:19).
Just thinking…
Amen to that. Amen.