Devotionals

Have you ever considered that we can control what we think about? I certainly did not until a few years ago. As the apostle Paul addressed fellow believers of Philippi in the final chapter of his letter, he gave a clear and precise directive as to what things should occupy their minds. Obviously, they could choose what thoughts would take up residence in their minds.

Some of those thoughts could and would prove detrimental to the lifestyle they were called to live as followers of Christ. So he challenged and encouraged them to choose not what would come to mind but what they would decide to “reside” in their minds. 

So is that challenge to every Christian today. As born again believers and disciples of Christ we have a voice of what we allow to occupy our minds. I have previously stated (and on many occasions) that the mind cannot think on nor process two “different” thoughts at the same time. We must chase out the non-productive thoughts and invite the positive thoughts to come in and take up residence. This is the message the apostle Paul shared with the believers at Philippi to stimulate growth in their Christlike walk. The thoughts he named were thoughts of truth, honesty, purity, and love. 

What does this mean for those of us who have confessed our sin and acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? It means that as we allow and command these thoughts to take up residence in our minds we demonstrate and illustrate a life of virtue through God’s grace and a life of praise through our daily walk.

As we travel this temporary earthly journey may we be reminded and influenced by the words Paul delivered to the Philippian church. We should each take up the challenge and live a life that reflects Christ and glorifies our Father. What we think about and allow to reside in our minds defines who we are. May good thoughts reside in our minds and show up in our lifestyles.