“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Even after we have been saved by the Grace of God, and have the assurance of an eternal home with Jesus; we still sometimes allow worry to creep into our minds while we are on this Christian journey. We can fight these worries beginning at “the heart” of the battle.

By use of our thought process, we are able to access some positive things that will help us to be secure-minded when we need it most. Being secure-minded produces a faithful, zealous testimony; this can be both seen and heard, not only by God, but by man as well.

In the text Scripture, Paul is giving some encouraging advice for how to fight worries by thinking about several things that work together to give us the victory, that we not be paralyzed by worry.

1)    “Whatsoever things are true”; it is true that Jesus was born, died, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Scripture. These truths we accept by Faith.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

2)    “Whatsoever things are honest”; to be honest with God and ourselves is to agree with Him when He shows us who He is and who we are. He is the Saviour; we are sinners.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)

3)    “Whatsoever things are just”; God knows all of our good and bad thoughts, words, and deeds. He is able to reward us justly (rightly) for each and every one; even when man has used an unjust balance. God has the final say-so.

“To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26)

4)    “Whatsoever things are pure”; the Word of God is pure; and is able to purify us who are not, as we study and meditate on it as often as possible.

“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  (Psalms 19:8)

5)    “Whatsoever things are lovely”; by bearing the Fruit of the Spirit, we show the beauty of the New Creation (the New Creature) of God; which can be seen and desired by others. To be “lovely” has its purpose. As individual members (saints) and as a whole (the Church) we should glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

6)    “Whatsoever things are of good report”; staying focused on our goal and remaining faithful should cause others to believe our good news; which is the Good News of Jesus and His Testimony. A “good report” is practicing what we preach.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

7)    “If there be any virtue”; knowing that we have received such things as Mercy and Grace from the Lord to be delivered from the Second Death should give us the confidence that we can receive deliverance from less temporal things.

“And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.” (Luke 8:46)

8)    “If there be any praise”; to think of all of our troubles and trials to be over one day makes us sing a new song of victory. It has been said, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…”  (Proverbs 17:22). And a heart full of praise will no doubt result in praise coming out of the mouth.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” (Ephesians 5:18)

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” (Ephesians 5:19)

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Ephesians 5:20)

Thank God for giving us good things to think about!