Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers…think about these things.”

Romans 8:5-7 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace (shalom). For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

As Paul brings what would be his final letter to his beloved church at Philippi to a close, he chooses to emphasize keeping their minds focused. Why was this so important? Because Paul knew he would not always be there to help them remember, to guide them, or correct them. He knew the flesh would constantly be competing with the Holy Spirit for their thoughts. He also knew, as he told the church at Rome, when the mind is centered on godly things, it brings life and complete peace, shalom. He wanted the believers in Philippi to be fruitful in their walk with God which was impossible so long as worldly thoughts constantly occupied their minds. If the average person has 10,000 thoughts a day, Paul could never hope to address them all. So rather than try to address them individually, Paul does two things: first, he teaches the importance of what is going on in their minds; and second, he provides a ‘filter’ for them to run their thoughts through in order to determine which will keep them on the path leading to life and peace and which, by their very nature, set them at odds with their Heavenly Father.

Pray: Lord God, I want a life filled with your shalom. Sometimes I spend so much time focused on my actions that I neglect to consider the thousands of thoughts running through my mind. I want to please you. I want to be submitted to you in all things. Help me, beginning today, to be aware of what is going on in my head – of the thoughts competing for my attention. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to sort them out and dwell only on those things which are pleasing to you. In your Son’s holy name I pray - Amen.”