COMPARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH GOD’S WORD
Christina Andrews
Today's Scripture: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8, ESV
Theme: Cross-reference your thoughts to the Word of God, allowing God to change any inconsistencies revealed within you.
WHY DO OUR THOUGHTS MATTER?
In Philippians Chapter 4, Paul appeals to two women named Euodia and Synthche (verse 2). These two women were in a disagreement, and he wanted to help them resolve their conflict with the encouraging words from Philippians 4:8.
Have you ever conflicted with someone in your inner circle, friend group, or church family? Many of us have and will at some point in our lives because we are human! We will disagree with people and will face conflict, but in Philippians 4, Paul gives us a guide on how to resolve those conflicts. He wants us to compare our thoughts with God’s Word.
FIXING OUR EYES ON THE THINGS ABOVE
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 to think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. But what is it about these three thought paths that help us navigate conflict and live a peaceful life? When we fix our thoughts on what is true, we are not concerned with lies that threaten to derail us. When we fix our thoughts on what is honorable, we are not taken captive by gossip that seeks to ruin our relationships. When we fix our thoughts on what is right and pure, we are open to the simplicity of the Gospel and how fulfilling the Christian life is. Finally, when we fix our eyes on what is lovely and admirable, we become a trusted Christian witness to those looking to disqualify the work of Jesus on the cross. Fixing our eyes on what is lovely and admirable might mean we refuse to criticize people and instead provide them with encouragement. Then others will trust us to care well for them!
TRANSFORMED BY THE WORD OF GOD
When we compare our thoughts and motivations to the Word of God, we are transformed. Our conflicts are more holy and pleasing to God because our thoughts are not fixed on earthly things but on godly things. We are transformed to look more and more like Jesus with every thought we compare to His Word. Comparing our thoughts to the Word of God sanctifies our minds, souls, and hearts, making us more like Jesus even when we conflict with others. This means that, as we allow God to change our own inconsistencies, our negative conflicts lessen. When we compare our thoughts to the Word of God, we can have healthy and godly relationships that helps us to mutually grow in our faith!
Make It Personal: This week, how can you compare your thoughts to the Word of God? Is there a thought pattern you are stuck in that you need to surrender to Him? Is there a conflict that needs to be resolved that you have not compared to the Word of God?
Pray: Father, thank You for having power over our thoughts. Thank You that we can trust You to transform our thoughts to be more like Your thoughts. Thank You for wanting us to live peaceful lives. We pray that You will remind us and help us to compare our thoughts to Your Word and to fix our minds on the things of God. We pray You would transform our hearts, minds, and souls with Your Word and allow us to become more like You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Psalm 19:14, I Corinthians 6:12,19-20
Weekly Memory Verse: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4, ESV