Think On Good Things

Philippians 4:8 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. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8.NIV

Why do this? 

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Think and focus on good things because the dark realm, which is Satan and his dominion, is trying to make the Church ineffective in the world. They try to get a stronghold in our lives to destroy us, so God cannot use us for others to be saved. So focus on good things so Satan cannot get a stronghold in our lives to work through.

Ephesians 4:27 NIV

[27] and do not give the devil a foothold. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.4.27.NIV

In the "Information Age," it's very easy to let our minds be overcome with just whatever is out there on the Internet. You can literally find anything, good or bad with a cell phone, computer, or tablet. With so much information available out there today, it is even more important to spend time with those things that are prescribed in Philippians 4:8. Things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. This focus is not limited to just the Internet, but with ANY external influence in our lives.

If we do everything in our power to purify our lives and minds, then it's much harder for Satan to find something within us to use against us. So, whatever the external influences, focus on the good stuff.

Again, the Church represents Jesus. We shine His light into a dark, evil world. God uses us to draw people to Himself so they can be saved too. Satan hates this and tries anything to disrupt this process. So we should not make it easy for him by having bad influences in our lives, which He can use against us.

Be ready for the battle when you start streamlining your thoughts and mind on good things. That's when Satan turns up the heat trying to get you to focus on the bad stuff.

These are some of his "fiery darts" he will try to throw at you:

"Everyone else is doing it. It doesn't matter."

"One time can't hurt." 

"Nobody will know."

Since Satan is the "father of lies," we know that everything he says is a lie. He cannot tell the truth. So all the above examples are lies.

So ignore all the bad, negative, evil, or controversial stuff out there and you'll be on your way to true freedom in Christ. Then God will be able to use you so other people can be saved too.

Paul says it this way:

Romans 12:9 NIV

[9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.12.9.NIV

King David said it like this:

Psalms 119:37 NIV

[37] Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.119.37.NIV

Hate the evil junk, focus on the good stuff. 

Love you all,

Jeffrey Post