“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.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Pastors such as Norman Vincent Peale and Robert Schuller gained considerable attention in the last century for their focus on positive thinking. No matter what situation you are in, no matter what battle you face, no matter what you desire to accomplish, you need only to think positively and success will come. The battle is in the mind and the answer is to always think positively. Naturally these pastors received lots of criticism because their message went beyond Biblical truth; salvation and success became a matter of your own mental abilities rather than the work of Jesus.
However, as today’s verse indicates, part of their message was correct — it is important that we do think on the correct things. It can be extremely tempting to dwell on those things that constantly drag us down. And yet, Scripture tells us to think “on things that are above” (Col. 3:2). What are you thinking about these days? Is your mind fixed on what is commendable and excellent or is it mired in the depressing bog of your present circumstances?
The Power of Positive Thought
The Power of Positive Thought
“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.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Pastors such as Norman Vincent Peale and Robert Schuller gained considerable attention in the last century for their focus on positive thinking. No matter what situation you are in, no matter what battle you face, no matter what you desire to accomplish, you need only to think positively and success will come. The battle is in the mind and the answer is to always think positively. Naturally these pastors received lots of criticism because their message went beyond Biblical truth; salvation and success became a matter of your own mental abilities rather than the work of Jesus.
However, as today’s verse indicates, part of their message was correct — it is important that we do think on the correct things. It can be extremely tempting to dwell on those things that constantly drag us down. And yet, Scripture tells us to think “on things that are above” (Col. 3:2). What are you thinking about these days? Is your mind fixed on what is commendable and excellent or is it mired in the depressing bog of your present circumstances?
By: Pastor Jay Mast