As One Thinks

May 31, 2022

DAILY READING

Philippians 1:8 – Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Proverbs 27:3 – As a man thinks in his heart, so he is. (Women too!)

FIELD NOTES

What’s on your mind about today as you begin this devotion? Who comes to mind? What’s on your schedule? How do you feel about today’s agenda?

How we think and how we focus on the day is learned behavior.

Two-year-olds think, “Hold me! Feed me! Change me! Play with me! Fix my hurt! Rock me!” Paul guides us to put away these childish things (talking like, thinking like, and reasoning like children) and begin thinking like a mature person (1 Corinthians 13:11).

In today’s scripture, Paul suggests one way to accomplish this goal of overcoming childish thinking and maturely dealing with people and our tasks throughout the day.

He says, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

This method of thinking takes practice, especially with difficult people and stressful tasks. It also requires our asking, “Holy Spirit, please guide my thoughts.”

And with God’s help, we can learn and develop this new behavior. As we think, so we will become!

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What are your thoughts about today? People you will encounter? Tasks on your schedule?
• What are your thoughts that are and are not Godly thoughts?
• What are some more honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy thoughts you might want to focus on today?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Share examples of helpful, encouraging thoughts.
• Share examples of unhelpful, destructive thoughts.
• Discuss how you might help each other develop better thoughts.

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear most loving, gracious God, we confess that some of our thoughts are not helpful. When I think of such unhelpful thoughts, I ask for your guidance in replacing them with honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, and excellent thoughts. In your gracious name, we ask. Amen.