Think on these things

We have spent the last eight days looking at the words defining the things we are to think on listed in our source scripture, Philippians 4:8. But what exactly does think mean?

The Greek word translated as think is LOGIZOMAI. It is pronounced log-id-zom-MY. The definition is to reckon, to consider and the biblical usage for Strong’s G3049 is listed as: reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose.

The contemporary definition and synonyms are:

definition: direct one’s mind toward someone or something; to be in expectation of
synonyms: ponder · reflect · meditate · contemplate · concentrate · believe · expect · anticipate · esteem

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 (KJV)

You are what you think

You know this is true. When you start thinking about something you don’t really want to do, you start imagining all the things that can go wrong. You work yourself into a nervous state.

If we consider that the things we choose to think about are the things we are giving more credence to, we allow them to have more esteem in our mind than what is true.

Yeshua (Jesus) fleshed this out a bit in his sermon on the mount – if you look on a woman to lust after her, you have already committed adultery.

This is why the Apostle Paul encourages us to put our thoughts on things of true value, put more esteem on the things we know to be true, honest, just, pure, lovely (or admirable), of a good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. These things describe Yeshua (Jesus) and the Word of God.

Let’s Meditate on the Word

Try memorizing scripture, so you have proper things to think about, and meditate on when your mind wants to run wild. Be careful what you let in your eye gate and ear gate so you can walk in His ways. The Holy Spirit can’t remind you of what you have never considered in the first place. This is why reading the Bible daily is so important.

Scriptures Related to What you Think

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Colossians 3:2 (ESV) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to remember to always turn first to You and Your Word when worries try to creep in. Help me to bring all of my thoughts captive to Your Word and to put more value and esteem on what Your Word says and less on my imaginings.

Amen

Up next – The Wrap Up

Think on these things – Devotional – THINK