September 25: Think About What You Think About
Scripture
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 (NIV)
Have you ever taken time to think about what you think about? So often we allow thoughts to flood our minds without stopping to evaluate their source or consider whether they are good or harmful. Scripture reminds us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” What we dwell on shapes who we become. And we know we have an enemy Jesus called “the father of lies.” That means not every thought that crosses our minds is worth keeping.
This is why Paul urges us to fix our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. The question we must often ask ourselves is: does this thought line up with God’s Word and reflect His truth? Or is it leading me away from Him, pulling me toward fear, bitterness, pride or despair? The battleground of the mind is real, and the way we fight is by measuring our thoughts against the truth of God’s Word.
The good news is that we don’t fight this battle alone. The Spirit of God helps us take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. He convicts us when we’re believing lies, strengthens us to resist destructive thinking, and reminds us of God’s promises. This renewing of our minds is central to the transformation God desires for each of us.
As Dallas Willard once said, “The ultimate freedom we have as human beings is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds to dwell upon.”¹ When we choose to set our minds on God’s truth, the Spirit reshapes us from the inside out. In a world filled with noise and lies, fixing our thoughts on Jesus and His Kingdom is the pathway to peace, joy, and true transformation.
Reflection
1. What thoughts most often fill your mind, and how do they shape your attitudes and actions?
2. How can you discern when a thought is a lie from the enemy rather than truth from God?
3. What step can you take today to let the Spirit guide your thought life and fill your mind with what is true and life-giving?
Prayer
Thank God for the Spirit who renews your mind and helps you see truth clearly. Ask Him to give you discernment to reject lies, strength to dwell on what is good, and grace to be transformed as your mind is set on Christ.
Footnote
¹ Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart.