Answering Gods Call

Self control in Christ

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1–2 minutes

The way we think speaks more about our character, because it influences the things we do. I’m sure you’ve heard that the Lord knows what is in our hearts, that is why we receive instructions such as these:

Philippians 4:8-9(NIV)
 8 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

In verse 8, Paul is telling us how our mind should be at all times. Funny enough, the words described here have also been used to describe Jesus! Things true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable (gracious). We should always be thinking about the best of things, not the worst of things. Find the beautiful side of something, don’t focus on the ugliness that may be residing on the exterior! Find a way to praise, instead of cursing something or someone.

Paul goes on in verse 9 to remind that the actions should mirror those of Christ. He informs us to put into practice the things he has said or done, which is basically everything that he learned under the teachings of Jesus in the first place. We should all strive daily to be more Christ like in our thoughts, actions and everyday lives. Only then will God bring peace upon you.

One response to “Self control in Christ”

  1. Amy Stein Avatar
    Amy Stein

    When the Lord showed me these verses many years ago, I had a different perception of what it meant than what I do today. Back then I thought it meant that this how we should think all of the time but when I read it this past summer again, I began to look at it quite differently.

    See, I have this problem of stinkin thinkin or allowing circumstances to bring out the worst in my mind and when the Lord was showing me that my battle field was not my husband, it was not my marriage and it was not all of the ignorance in this world, it was my mind. My battle field IS in my mind and whenever I start to think impure thoughts or negative thoughts, I should do as this passage says: Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.

    The problem is this, how many of us ACTUALLY do this when a thought pops in our heads that should not be there? Why do you think that is? Because our sinful, selfish nature wants to do and think about what we WANT, not what is right. I have to stop my thoughts EVERY single day from going where it should not go because I know, if I change my thinking, I change my life! And that folks, is my preaching for tonight!

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