Think About These Things

GETTING STARTED

Just about everyone has a Facebook account these days. We use it to catch-up with friends and “like” the cute things they say. Facebook once did a study on all the status updates people post and found that if someone gave a positive status update, more people would hit the “like” button than leave a comment. But if someone posted something negative, there would be an average of ten comments. People love to speak out about and act on negativity.

  • Consider your thoughts, written words, and conversations over the last 24 hours. What was negative, and what was positive?

READ THE WORD: PHILIPPIANS 4:2-9 (ESV)

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

(Today’s questions focus on verses 8-9. Verses 2-7 were covered on previous days.)

  1. In verse 8, Paul mentioned many good things to ponder. Which of these is the hardest for you?  Why?
  2. How would living out verse 8 affect our relationships, and our attitude and anxiety?
  3. In your own words, restate Paul’s advice in verse 9. How can your life be a living example for others to follow?
  4. Briefly practice verse 8. Think about one thing in your life from of each of the things listed. Consider telling someone else about one of these things today personally, or even on Facebook or Twitter.

RESPOND TO GOD

True, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellence, worthy of praise. Paul encouraged us to practice thinking on things such as these because he knew that focusing on the truth changes us, including our relationships. It is also a reminder that we are not alone, that God is near. The God of peace will be with us—even when we forget, when we don’t practice these things, and even when we try and just miss it.

  • Confess to God the places where you are tempted to be negative, complain, or have a bad attitude.
  • Ask God to help you think about the truth of God’s character today.
  • Ask God to help you be an example for others.