Devotional of the week: Think on these (12 in Fruit of the Spirit series)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:1–9)

As Paul reaches the end of his letter, this series of standalone statements feels like he’s trying to remember everything he wants to share with them: you two women, stop fighting (perhaps their disagreement was part of the bigger issue of disunity); rejoice in the Lord; be anxious about nothing; wrap yourselves in peace; think on what is good and lovely and excellent; put my teaching into practice.

The sense of fruit in this passage comes in verse 17, when Paul says he yearns for more of the spiritual benefits to be credited to their account. As they fulfill the staccato-like statements that he lists in quick succession, they will bear fruit.

Bearing fruit takes the training of our minds, hearts and bodies. Sometimes we need to flee the pack-like mentality, even if it feels difficult. Once I was faced with this when my book club chose to read 50 Shades of Grey (I had left early; in their defense, they said it was a joke). Although I didn’t want to appear narrow minded, I said I wanted to heed the injunction, “whatever is good, lovely, pure and so on, think on these things,” and so would pass on that book. I didn’t want my imagination filled with the book’s degrading sexual acts and attitudes, even if that meant appearing strict to my friends.

The verses above are good ones to set to memory, which we can then call to mind in times of quiet or anxiety. I find when I’m unable to sleep, especially if my mind is racing all over the place, I recite some passages of Scripture. It’s a way of setting God’s truth into our hearts and minds.

What pure and noble things can you think on today?

Prayer: Lord, you are good, pure, true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. We worship you. Amen.