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Did you realize that being open-minded can be the worst possible thing you could do? As Christians we need to learn to bring our thoughts into captivity and think within biblically prescribed limits, because what we think is what we are.
In Philippians 4:8, we are given clear boundaries for our thought life. The first one is true. Untrue thoughts are not allowed, and that includes the untrue speculations and imaginings that we often indulge in. For example, do you imagine the worst, and worry about things that have not yet occurred? You are not thinking true thoughts when you do.
The second boundary for our thought life is noble, which means honorable, dignified, excellent. You know, it’s possible to think something that is true, but not honorable. For instance, thinking “gossipy” thoughts about others, even if the facts are true, is not honorable thinking.
There’s a third limit set on our thinking, and that is right. All of us dislike unfair treatment. And yet how often do we allow ourselves to think unfair, unjust thoughts about others. We have prejudiced thinking toward people, and some of us have prejudiced thinking toward other races and cultures. That kind of thinking is not right.
Then, our thoughts must also be pure. This covers immoral thoughts and sexual fantasies. No one is immune to these thoughts, and our society certainly promotes it. It is necessary to make certain our thoughts are pure.
Next comes lovely. Is your thought life full of love, inspiring love or affection? Many times our thoughts may pass all the other tests, but they fall short on this point.
In addition to true, noble, right, pure and lovely, our thoughts must be admirable, or worthy of praise. If we could read what you are thinking, would we admire your thoughts?
The parameters are clear. Now, our challenge is to bring our thoughts into captivity—to stay within these boundaries.
[Mary has written a book on this topic, Think About What You Think About. And it is on special this month for $8. Click here for more information.]