Philippians 4:8

Today is Wednesday. It’s the day of my Rotary Club meeting. Every week we begin by reciting the 4-way test which was written in the 1930’s by a businessman and Rotary International President, Herbert J. Taylor.

This 24 word test is designed to promote high ethical standards in the business and professional lives of its members.

Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

What we think is vitally important. Our thoughts precede and impact what we say. And what we do.

The stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius said, “A man’s life are what his thoughts make of it.”

James A. Allen, author of As a Man Thinketh wrote, “Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.” Allen also added, “thought and character are one.”

The 19th century American Essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, put it succinctly, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.”

In our text today, the apostle Paul offers a 6 way test regarding our thinking. And thus a means to positively impact and change our lives for the better.

“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.”

(1) Is it True?

The Bible is the standard of Truth (Eph. 1:13). It serves as a basis for those things that our minds ought to dwell on. Furthermore, truth stands opposed to falsehood (Eph. 4:25), which is from the Devil himself (Jn. 8:44).

Proper thinking rests itself on things that are true. Think on things that are true about yourself, your family, your brethren, your friends, and your fellow-man. Don’t be deceived by and dwell on unfounded rumors, and misinformation.

(2) Is it Honorable?

Honorable means noble, serious and dignified. It is thinking that is neither flippant, cheap, or tawdry. Honorable thinking rids itself of little, petty thoughts. If we are to engage our lives in noble deeds, we must begin with noble thoughts.

(3) Is it Just?

The word “just” refers to that which is fair and right both to God and to man. Certainly life is filled with injustices and inequities. But there’s no value in dwelling on them.

We also would do well to focus our minds on dealing justly with others. Revenge, evil scheming and plotting to get even will consume our souls and soon fill out minds unjust thoughts.

(4) Is it Pure?

The word “pure” means clean or free from defilement. It is from the same root word translated “saint”.

Paul admonished Timothy, “keep yourself pure” (I Tim. 5:22). Purity of life begins in the heart by thinking pure thoughts. Conversely, by thinking impure thoughts, we will produce a defiled character and ungodly actions

Reading salacious literature, watching sexually explicit movies and pouring over internet porn will defile the heart and fill the mind with impurity and putridity.

(5) Is it Lovely?

This word means “attractive, winsome, pleasing and amiable.” The Christian’s character should reflect loveliness. An old expression that is lost on today’s culture says, “ pretty is as pretty does.” More important than physical beauty is spiritual beauty. Such loveliness of character originates in the mind.

Lovely thinking dwells on kindness, forgiveness, sympathy, forbearance, tenderness and love.

(6) Is it Commendable?

Other versions translate this word “good report,” “good repute,” and “admirable.” In other words, think on the things that are well-sounding, appealing, and gracious. Look for the good in life. Think about the good in life. And share the good that you see with others.

The writer concluded by adding that anything else that is virtuous and praiseworthy, think on it, too.

Finally, the words by the 19th century Scottish author Samuel Smiles reflect both the immediate and eternal impact of our thoughts.

Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman