What we allow into our hearts determines how we act or behave or even respond to certain situations, isn't it? That's true of course. It is very important that we allow things that are not toxic into our hearts; ideas that are not toxic, suggestions that are not toxic, and thoughts that are not toxic. While we may not be able to control the things that come in, we can surely take charge of the very things we allow to stay in our hearts, and the very things we meditate upon. Praise God.
Every evil activity as well as every good deed carried out are a product of thought (that which we allow stay in the hearts), and the truth is, those things are there because we permitted them to. Every action comes as a result of those suggestions, thoughts, and ideas, that have been pondered upon over, and over in your heart. What people see is the action, but that's not the case, it started a long time ago; in your heart.
Today, by the grace of God, we have the privilege as believers to study something very important. To see as believers what we are to allow stay in our hearts. It is very much important that as believers, our lives show forth the very trait of the one who has called us, that means acting in ways that does not contradict the very nature of God, and it begins with what we allow to stay in our hearts. The passage of scripture under consideration is seen below,
"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).
This was the admonition of Paul to the saints in Philippi, and so the first thing we need understand is the category of persons he was writing this to, and that will help us understand the context of the message as we ought. He wasn't writing to some random persons (Philippians 1:1), but the saints, and even some of the leaders in Philippi, why? Because it was necessary for the saints to live in a way that was worthy of emulation, and if what was in their heart wasn't right, their actions was going to show it. If what they allowed were things inconsistent with the nature of God, it was going to show in their actions. You know why? Because out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34b).
It was in the scripture that it was said we were to keep our hearts with all diligence, isn't it? (Proverbs 4:23). Why would a scripture like this be given? Because it is necessary to do so, and if we don't, the very things that will be seen in the believer's life will be the very things that contradict very much God's nature (the issues of life). Look at what the apostle Paul says we should allow stay in our hearts, and even if we are to meditate on anything, it should be any of these things stated in the text above, that was what he meant by, think on these things (meditate on these things). He says to allow only things such as thoughts, ideas, and suggestions that are true not the opposite.
Then he says to allow only things that are honest not the opposite, things that are just not the opposite, things that are lovely not the opposite, things that are of good report not the opposite, and look at what he says, that we not only allow these things into our hearts, and let them remain, but if we have to meditate on anything at all, it should be on these things, why? Because these will be the things responsible for our actions as believers, and when we act based on these things, we will be showing forth, and that very much, the nature of God at work in us. The Lord help us all in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thought for the day
You are to allow thoughts that are of God into your heart that consistent with his nature alone, and if you must meditate on anything at all, let it be on those things.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08053662272 or Email: [email protected].
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