Good Thoughts and Good Speech
Mentally Buy A Ticket To A Better Destination
Jesus' famous story of The Prodigal Son says that the younger brother wasted his life living on the wild side, but then "he came to his senses." At that point, he began to see and think very differently. He mentally bought a ticket to a new destination. He said to himself, "I will get up out of this wretched place and go back to my father's house."
He could have simply stayed in the pig pen and wallowed in the mud of depression and sorrow. Some people get comfortable with that mud, but they aren't pigs, they are people created in His image. The Prodigal Son changed his focus. He had to leave the mud. He began to apply the P-4-8 Standard [Philippians 4:8 Standard]. Let's look at this great passage again and consider one additional verse:
“Finally, brothers, 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 on such things. 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” (Philippians 4:8-9).
This passage provides a measuring stick to evaluate our thoughts. Are our thoughts poisonous mind viruses or do they reflect the love, forgiveness, wonder, and purposes of Christ? Paul goes on to use his personal life as an example of refocusing on what is good. At one time, he had zealously persecuted Christians (even was witness to Stephen's killing). Yet, through God's Spirit and Word, Paul was transformed daily into a man committed to sharing the love of Christ with others. His thoughts, words, and habits changed.
A heavenly mindset to what is right and good comes through in our speech (words are an extension of our thoughts). The P-4-8 Standard acts as a filter between your mind and your mouth—you begin to choose clear words that exhort, inspire, and counsel. In our culture today, it seems there are very few filters in communication. People will say anything they want to say to anyone at any time without tempering such expressions with wisdom and love. Our unbridled tongues degrade society and destroy relationships by using words that tear down, wound, and punish. Ironically, some people view a harsh tongue as being an honest one, which is not always true. Besides, truth goes further and renews the inner parts of a woman or a man when one speaks with wisdom and love.
Even on radio, TV, cable, and the Internet, it seems that angry people get attention and ratings. People seem to delight in name-calling, accusation, and rage. Everyone who listens and watches becomes infected with this anger, and it can produce frustration, discouragement, and despair. Oh, some of what these on-air commentators say may be right, but the way they say it is a long way from the model of Jesus. It is true that the Lord corrected people from time to time, but always out of love. Eventually, He died for those who hated and opposed His message of life and hope.
Integrate the P-4-8 Standard in your daily life and remember Paul's example in verse nine. Refocus on God. His goodness will transform your speech to strangers, neighbors, and family.
Thank you for reading today!
[[Article excerpted from my book entitled, “Mind Viruses: Identifying and Replacing Toxic Thinking.”]]