• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Think on these things

Think on these things

Posted on April 12, 2023 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


We live in an age where we can only consume a small fraction of the information that is available to us. We are bombarded by announcements of things we should be concerned about along with advice on how to think about those things. The noise is relentless and at times oppressive.

We have advertising which attempts to make us feel that buying a product will somehow make our lives complete. Our social media feeds are filled with posts from people that make their lives seem much better and easier than they are. From them we get the message, “if you could only be like me.” We compare ourselves to people that seem to have better experiences, more stuff, and happier lives.

Then there are the very real struggles that we all face. Jesus was totally accurate when he told us “You will have suffering in this world” (John 16:33, CSB). The list of things that cause suffering is seemingly endless. Then there is the anticipation of suffering that can also be oppressive. We understand the bumper sticker:

“Life is hard and then you die.”

The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 that we are not to be anxious about anything. But we are anxious, or at least we are tempted to be anxious and our society increases, rather than decreases, our anxiety.

So what does Paul recommend for us to do to be less anxious? First he recommends praying about it and allowing God to work it out. This will bring peace.

Paul further recommends a change in the way we think about life. In Philippians 4:8, Paul writes:

“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

The verb in this verse, translated think about, is in the imperative mood and is therefor a command or an instruction. For Paul, it is not optional, it is mandatory that we control our thoughts and channel them in healthy ways. He commands his readers to do this.

What are we to think about?

In verse 8, Paul gives us eight categories of things that we are to think about and focus upon. Over the next few blog posts I would like to explore these categories individually and open a discussion as to how we can apply this command to our lives.

If you are encouraged by this post or would like to make a comment, please use the comment form below to offer your feedback. If you are reading this in an email and would like to comment, you can reply to the email or click on the “Read in browser” link below to go to the web page where you can enter a comment. I enjoy hearing from you.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

God's Crime Scene

God’s Crime Scene – Book Endorsement

God’s Crime Scene is a book that I know I will re-read and refer to as part of my apologetics library. If you have any interest at all in knowing where the evidence point with regard to the beginning of the universe, I strongly recommend that you pick up a copy of this book.

Counterfeit

Counterfeits and the real thing

The fact that evil deeds have been done by those who claim allegiance to Christ is a criticism that is sometimes raised against Christianity. In thinking about a response to this critique, it dawned on me that anything of value is likely to be counterfeited. The presence of the counterfeit is a backhanded compliment and speaks to the value of the original.

Rob Bell

My Response to a Rob Bell interview

A friend asked me to comment on an interview with Rob Bell.. I thought that I would post my response here with some minor edits.

Conflict

Conflict is inevitable

A few days ago, I read 1 Thessalonians 3:4 where Paul writes, “For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.” Why would Paul anticipate suffering? I believe the answer lies in his understanding that […]

News & Highlights

America’s Colosseum Spectacle

Someone once jokingly said of TV news, “if it bleeds, it leads.” In other words, the most shocking story is the one that gets the most attention. We, as fallen human beings, seem to gravitate toward shocking.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
June 2023
SMTWTFS
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
« May    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2023 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in