Scripture
Our focus verse for today comes from Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
Background and Application
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be and to do. Certainly, we have read in Scripture specific exhortations for humility, grace, forgiveness, and obedience, to name a few. But all of what we are called to do and be for Christ flows from what we put into our hearts and minds. That brings us to today’s verse, where we see that rarely-used, somewhat mystic-sounding term “meditate.” God has made us with the amazing ability to perform several tasks at once, often times without sacrificing performance on any one task. But He has also made us to seek Him, worship Him, know Him, love Him. and to fulfill that heavenly calling, we need to be able to meditate. We don’t need to empty our minds and try to experience illumination, and we don’t need to barrage ourselves with non- stop information and activity. We need to think purposefully about “anything praiseworthy.” We will fully understand the filth of immorality and sexual frivolity when we have meditated on things that are lovely. when our minds have thought over things that are noble and worthy of respect, we will be disgusted at the disrespect inherent in the way someone’s body is flaunted or treated. When we have meditated on something pure, we will know when the world is taking God’s creation and defiling it for its own uses. And without fail, thinking over things of truth and virtue will enable you to draw on the power of God and do the right thing when the lure of temporary satisfaction shows its painted face. So, meditate on His things, regardless of whether you can do it for a minute or an hour. He will surely fill the mind that wants to be filled with Him.
Charge
As we seek Him today, take an extra bit of time and think on these things of God. Ask God to fill your mind and your desires with the pure intentions that come from Him. Ask Him expectantly, knowing that this is what He wants of His people.
