“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

— Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 is probably the original proclamation of positive thinking. In this passage lies the secret of a happy life, a positive attitude, a winsome personality, advancement in life, and acceptance by others. Certainly we all desire these things. As we fill our minds and hearts with the true, the noble, the just, the pure, the lovely, and the good, then God will lift us up and grant us peace.

What do you spend time thinking about? Do you meditate on virtuous things?

Keeping our minds and hearts trained on the praiseworthy is difficult. Because of their separation from God, many media producers create material that is the opposite of all these wonderful things. They show us the false, the ignoble, the unjust, the ungodly, the unkind, the crass, and the ghastly. All of this pours out of television sets, movie screens, novels, and magazines of modern times.

Television and movie producers defend their creations by saying, “We’re only reflecting reality.” Well, I want to say back to them, “Yes, but life is more than the gutter, the toilet, and the brothel.” We can’t deny the reality of the gutter. But roses are just as real and much more worthy of our devoted attention.

Today and every day, set your thoughts on things above. Surround yourself with everything praiseworthy. Drink in the true, noble, pure, and lovely, and allow God to grant you His peace as you do so, for He is the source of it all.

“Where there is beauty, there is the Spirit of God.”
R. C. Sproul