FOOD FOR THOUGHT

 Jack Davis

“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.” Philippians 4:8

I thank God that we may, by meditation on the Word of God, both put on our spiritual helmet, and feed the new life.

“FINALLY”

The Apostle enters here some concluding thoughts in view of that which had been spoken before to the “lovers of the race.” He was inspired by the Holy Spirit to offer for consideration that which is of excellence, of worth; to be prized and praised.

“THINGS THAT ARE TRUE”

What priceless value there is to be found in that which pertains to, and proves God to be true! Who can measure the value of that which is unconcealed, manifested, that which is conformed to reality, is actual, genuine?

God is true; this is His nature. He cannot lie. He is always faithful in fulfilling His promises. Jesus is the perfect expression of all that is real. Jesus, is the perfect expression of all that is real. Jesus, as a man, embodied truth in all its fulness and scope.

Satan, the exact opposite of Jesus, is the great deceiver and has long been offering falsity to mankind. He has filled this world with his vain fantasies, illusions and imaginations against the knowledge of God. He paints many a false picture but God offers, for our faith, only fact. Therefore, we are always making the choice in our thoughts: is it fantasy or fact?

Whatever thought we are feeding our hearts and minds may be weighed by faith in the Word that God has spoken. It can be measured right when brought under scrutiny of the rightly divided Word of Truth. The Word is living and powerful and discerns the very thoughts and intents of our hearts. The Apostle said, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” – I Thessalonians 5:21.

Falsity brings into bondage, and would hold one there, but thank God the Truth sets free. Truth strengthens but untruth weakens. We make the choice to have our loins girt about with Truth. Peter says, “…gird up the loins of your mind” (I Peter 1:13). I am thankful that our Father has provided, so that we are able to refuse to meditate on the false by bringing our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

As we think of Him who is true and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, we not only enjoy His virtues and praise, but space is also crowded out for that which is false.

Right thinking precedes, and leads to conduct according to the Truth. I speak of thinking which is guided by the
Spirit of Truth. This also provides for the sweet enjoyment of the Presence and Power of the God of Peace.

“My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord” – Psalm 104:34. Let us ever be mindful, that God makes such thoughtful believers into thankful worshippers.

J. D.