Keep in Step with the Spirit Pt. 2 | Anchored in Hope Devotions

In today’s devotional, we are finishing our evaluation of the criteria listed out in Philippians 4:8 to keep in step with the Spirit.

Philippians 4:8 says “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 these things.”

Lovely - Does what you think about qualify as lovely? Would your inward desires and meditations be described as kind, gracious, and lovely? Or would your thoughts be considered rude, arrogant, and filthy according to God’s Word?

Commendable - This word has the idea of one's speech being of good report. Do you think of what God considers to be of good report, commendable, or admirable? Or do your thoughts dwell on what is deceitful, gossipy, and scandalous?

Excellence - The word here has the idea of moral goodness. Do your thoughts rest on what is morally good and full of righteous virtue? Or is your mind set on evil things that have been popularized in our current culture?

Praiseworthy - Do you dwell on what is worthy of commendation? Are your meditations fixed on that which is worth praise and adoration? Or has your mind drifted into thoughts full of judgemental self-righteousness?

Ok, so let’s review the principles from Philippians 4:8 that help our thought life stay in step with the Spirit. We are to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

As you go about your week, ask yourself, “Are my thoughts aligned with God’s desire for my life?” All sin that we commit begins with what we believe, which guides our desires, which gets analyzed in our mind, which ultimately leads to action. So take some time to evaluate the state of your heart and mind and focus on the transforming power of gospel to mold you into the man or woman God is forming you to be!

- Ramiro D. Franco