“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.”
The Battle
Paul names a specific, positive list here, worth examining directly, true, honest, just, pure, lovely, worth holding as this movement’s own needed positive direction, not merely avoiding impure thought, but this described, active redirection toward this fuller, positive alternative, genuinely, deliberately chosen.
This is worth applying against however much your own discipline has remained purely negative, only avoiding certain thoughts without this further, described replacement, rather than this verse’s own fuller instruction, think on these things, worth holding as genuine, active practice, not merely passive avoidance.
Notice whatsoever things are pure, specifically included in this list, worth holding as direct, relevant instruction, purity itself named as something to actively think upon, worth considering what deliberately thinking on pure things might actually, practically look like in your own current life.
Consider today deliberately practicing this verse’s own positive instruction, choosing something specifically true, pure, lovely, or of good report to actually think upon, not merely avoiding impure thought, but this fuller, active replacement, worth practicing as genuine, deliberate discipline today.
Walk in the Spirit
- Choose one specific true, pure, or lovely thing to deliberately think upon today.
- Notice whether your discipline has remained purely negative, missing this positive replacement.
- Practice this fuller instruction today, active redirection, not merely passive avoidance.
Prayer
Lord, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, let me think on these things, actively, deliberately, not merely avoiding impurity without this fuller replacement. Amen.
Carry this today
Genuine discipline includes active, positive redirection, not merely passive avoidance.