7 ways to Think Christ-Like

7 ways to Think Christ-Like

Philippians 4:8-9

Christians must build and train the mind to think positive, Christ-like thoughts that will push out the negative thoughts.  

John Wesley said, “You can’t prevent a bird flying over your head, but you can prevent it making a nest in your hair”.

The way to win over worry and to resist sin is to have positive, biblical, Christ-like thinking.

Paul gives a list of 7 positive things and commands the Christian to “think about such things”.

#1 Whatever is true God is truth and He wants His people to operate on truth.  Lying and deceit should never have a part in the Christian’s lifestyle. We are to saturate our minds with the truth of the WORD.

Then we will be a people who are true to Christ, true to one another and true to our convictions.

#2 Whatever is noble: The whole behaviour of a Christian should be characterized by genuine motives, manners and morals.  The Christian should be morally attractive, and this can only come by thinking positive thoughts.

 #3 Whatever is right

We are to think on good things, the right things, and wholesome things.  Just because something is true does not make it right.  It is right when it builds us up, when it enlightens us when it encourages us. 

#4 Whatever is pure

Christians are to avoid things which are filthy and would corrupt the mind.  They are to think on things which are wholesome and morally pure.

#5 Whatever is lovely

As we embrace thoughts which are lovely, we will bar from entrance into our minds thoughts which are not pleasing.  We will bar from our minds thoughts which foster worry and anxiety. 

#6 Whatever is admirable

Christians are not to listen to gossip about other people.  Their minds are to receive and think good things about other people.  

We are to be habitually and constantly thinking about  positive things.  

#7 If anything is excellent or praiseworthyChristians are to put our minds on things that are of moral excellence and things that the heart can praise.

 

If we are to substitute bad thoughts with good thoughts, this involves disciplining the mind to think.

Our testimony before other men is very important.  Paul was a man who lived as a realistic-optimist with a divine viewpoint about life.  

His life was spiritually and morally attractive to others.  

It takes practice to make the mind submissive to God’s sovereign will.  The mind, even in the Christian, is naturally rebellious, but, by Christ’s gracious help, it can be trained to submit to God.  

We must put to practice and enjoy: -

#1 Things that we learned

#2 Things that we received

#3 Things that we heard

#4 Things that is seen

When we make a deliberate choice and refuse to think negatively. This is a more practical approach to Christian living.

Then the God of peace will be with you. If you set your mind to it, the God who dwells within you will express himself in terms of peace rather than strife and confusion.

As we progress, we must focus our attention on the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, the Savior.  Christ alone can calm the storm inside our hearts.

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father, teach me that faith-filled optimism is not rooted in my own strength but in the knowledge that you are in control, and you are adequate to meet any need or challenge that I face. In Jesus Name. Amen 

Blessings & Prayers 

Pastor. Bobby Leonard