Thinking In the Tank

“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.” (Php 4:8 AV)

 

Although it would be profitable to study each of the categories of proper thought, I will define just a few.  ‘Honest’ means those things worthy of veneration or recognition as being honorable.  ‘Lovely’ means acceptable or pleasing.  ‘Good report’ means. “uttering words of good omen, speaking auspiciously.”  And ‘virtue’ is any moral goodness.  It would be a worthwhile study to focus on each individually.  For example, the very first one, truth, is often neglected.  We think about things that cannot be proven, things based on insufficient evidence, or blatant lies.  Especially regarding others.  We choose to be critical rather than allow venerable traits of others to be in our thoughts.  These thoughts are not restricted to others.  Rather, they can include all things.  If there is any moral goodness or something worthy of recognition for good, that should be our mind’s occupation.

To earn a few extra nickels, I complete a survey from time to time.  Some of these surveys regard products that will eventually hit the market.  The company eliciting responses is seeking input in how to best reach their target consumer.  They are probing effective marketing slogans or attractive packaging.  Other products are seeking input into what the surveyed think of a new idea line or improvement on an existing product.  The task at hand is difficult because one cannot be predisposed to always think in a certain way.  The constant critic will see nothing but what is wrong with the product idea.  The eternal optimist cannot see reality.  All is right with the world no matter what.  The client is looking for those who can think objectively and render an unbiased and honest opinion that will assist them in successful product development and sales.  The survey does the client no good if the one taking the survey is undisciplined in their thinking.  Clients know emotional choices do not last long.  Packaging and marketing may appeal to the emotions, but once the product is bought and used, if it doesn’t perform, the client is surviving on one-time purchasers. 

How we think and what we choose to think about can be controlled.  It is a matter of choice.  The last phrase of this verse is the part that I repeatedly quote back to myself.  If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think in these things.  Much of our troubles can be solved by proper use of the mind.  As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.  Our battles start and end in the mind.  Our thought life controls our emotions and actions.  If there are wrong thoughts, there will be wrong choices.  If there are wrong thoughts, there will be discontentment, anger, envy, and malice.  Our thought life controls everything.  The challenge Paul expresses above is to replace wrong thinking with right thinking.  To think on the truth, the honorable, the pure, the pleasant, and the virtuous.  He challenges us to block out that which would cause great harm to ourselves and displeasure to the LORD.  If we think only about what is virtuous and worthy of praise, the sun will shine brighter and we will be far more pleasant.