by Jerry Senn
No one I know likes or appreciates being told what they should think! This is especially true on sensitive subjects or from close friends or relatives. But Paul the apostle speaks as a faith warrior who is respected by all for his courageous life—and his words are inspired by the Spirit.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about [dwell, meditate on] these things” (Philippians 4:8,9).
Patterns of thinking become habits and habits once deeply embedded are very difficult to change. Obviously the brethren Paul addresses need to reflect on their thought habits. His words apply to most, if not all, of us.
“The chains of habit are weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.”
Attempts to renew our thought patterns from negative to positive, from depressing to joyful, from fleshly to spiritual, may be the most difficult thing a person can pursue in life.
Kris Lundgaard says, “the flesh is like the wolverine…it weighs about 35 lbs but can take down a moose or an antelope; its teeth and claws are lethal…When you seek to submit your mind and heart to God, like a wolverine, the flesh will ‘bare its teeth and flash its claws; The flesh will resist your attempts in a fierce, tenacious way.” (The Enemy Within).
Yet, as difficult as this may be Paul is constantly calling on brethren he loved to, “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” (Romans 12:2); “and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, to put on the new man self ” (Ephesians 4:23).
Paul’s beloved brothers and sisters had many reasons to slip and slide within their spirits. Their spiritual champion, Paul, was far away in a prison cell, future uncertain. They were dealing with persecution also, and harmony was waning (4:1-3). He urges, lift their hearts and minds to, “rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:4-7).
We cannot overcome our fleshly mental habits without the help of our Father. Jesus learned obedience through suffering as he prayed in the garden, “not my will but yours be done” (Matthew 26:42).
Let us strive to follow Jesus as we learn to do the Father’s will with our hearts and minds open to His amazing love for us.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, For from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).