Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
One of the things that caused Eve to sin in the garden was the promise to know all that is good and evil. (Genesis 3:5) She didn’t stop to think that when one already knows all that is good, there is no need to know the specifics of evil. Eve coveted something she effectively already had.
Paul knew that the things we have in our mind will manifest themselves in our daily life. The mind is like a fertile field – whatever is planted in it is exactly what will be returned. It doesn’t matter if it is poison ivy or Silverqueen corn. Studying and contemplating things that are not wholesome does not allow us to have the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5) but meditating on the things in Paul’s list leaves us with the foundation of a peaceful existence.
October 3, 2012
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