Philippians 4:8 (NIV84)
8 Finally, brothers, 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 (TPT)
8 So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.
Whenever I read this verse, I have always had a simple interpretation run through my mind, thinking about the good stuff. Turn off the bad news and turn on stories of people helping people. Turn off the "fails" videos and watch people being heroic to save others. Instead of watching how bad people's health is, watch inspiring videos of people overcoming the odds to become champions. I love watching older people compete in sports. Men and women in the 70s, 80s, and even 90s ran track and field events, lift weights and other sports. You start to believe that you can do it, too. What goes inside your brain through your senses affects you. When we all input misery, we think we are in a world of misery. Although the world is miserable without Jesus, there are encouraging signs of people living and acting like Jesus would. Although watching, reading, and listening to uplifting videos, articles, and broadcasts are good practices and worthy of consideration, that is not what this passage is saying.
Think about such things…..λογίζομαι
① to determine by mathematical process, reckon, calculate,
② to give careful thought to a matter, think (about), consider, ponder, let one's mind dwell on
"logidzomai" is to keep a mental record of events for the sake of some future action.
This is not saying that we are to occupy ourselves with these things per se; it is saying that we need to count them as something worthy of consideration. We are to keep a mental record of things for future events. For our future. It's like putting a post-it note in our brain to remember those things that brought us life so we can consider them when making decisions in the future. Too often, we forget what brings us true satisfaction, security, love, significance, and purpose. It is easy to fall back into chasing those things by chasing the proverbial wind. Calculate what brings true peace, joy, and love, and use that as a tool for the future.
This passage talks about things that are true as opposed to false and evil. Things that are worthy of respect and admiration. Things that are morally right and just. Pure things, like the creator intended. Things that cause delight and pleasure. Things that are worthy of commendation and telling others about. Things that are of uncommon character that deserve praise. Things that deserve admiration and praise….. calculate what those things do in your life and the lives of others. When we do that, we want more of it. It is better than a dopamine hit; it speaks to our depths. It's when we walk away and forget it because we are on to the next thing that gets us in trouble.
I will watch videos of older people competing and helping others; they make me smile. The depth of considerations are those things that God has created and performed. Those pure and wonderful things that speak of His glory. Those are things that will propel me to live on a higher level. Something otherworldly. Something of the Kingdom.
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