“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… And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8, 9b (TNIV)
It was a hot, muggy summer afternoon. Our small, inadequately insulated house didn’t have air conditioning, and our preschooler had way more energy than I did. I don’t remember what I said when my husband got home from a stressful job in an air-conditioned office, but to this day, I remember his response. We managed to smooth over the ripples I caused by whatever short-sighted thing I said, and he later pointed out that it seemed like what I spent time thinking about before he came home affected our initial interaction, which set the tone for the entire evening. I’m grateful for that wisdom and since then I have seen the same principle play out many times in different situations.
Who of us has not, after a difficult interaction, thought up a witty come-back or retort only to feel surprised when, days or weeks later, in a similar situation, we actually said it aloud? Those words weren’t intended to see the light of day; it was “just a thought.”
According to Lao Tsu, a 3rd-century Chinese philosopher…
Watch your thoughts, they become your words;
Watch your words, they become your actions;
Watch your actions, they become your habits;
Watch your habits, they become your character;
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
In today’s passage, Paul talks about how our thoughts shape who we become. James weighs in on this theme as well (James 3:3-5), pointing out the disproportionate importance of our words in determining our destiny by comparing the tongue to a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, and a spark that sets off a forest fire.
How do we become men and women of character? By focusing on the beginning of the progression from thoughts, words, and actions to destiny. By shaping and controlling our thoughts — what we choose to dwell on — we change the trajectory of our lives.
The next time you find yourself ruminating (or purposefully meditating), consider your train of thought.
~ Is it true, accurate, appropriate, and honest?
~ Is it honorable? Would this thought stand up to bright light and close inspection?
~ Is it just and reputable? Would I feel good about my kids thinking, saying, or doing the same thing?
~Does this thought represent who I want to be?
~ Is it admirable, commendable, courteous, and gracious?
If “yes,” then think about such things!
EFCC Staff