Focused Thoughts

Who’s really in charge of your thoughts? Paul says you get to choose—and Philippians 4:8 is his prescription for a mind fixed on what is true and good.

“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” (Philippians 4:8).

Why do some people seem to have a better memory than others? Are they more intelligent? Better educated? Biological advantages?

These questions were examined in tests conducted by the Institute of Neurology in London. Two groups were compared, both with similar backgrounds. But those in one group demonstrated having a superior memory. Their results revealed only one significant difference: Those with superior memory had developed habits that led to an increased ability to remember; they had trained their brains to store and retrieve information.

These results might inspire people who feel that they cannot change—those who feel powerless and trapped, who find their thoughts captured by gossip and the words they hear in the media, lyrics of popular songs, or what they’re told by politicians and authors.

All of us have choices. As Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, we can decide what to “think about.” The Greek word here has its roots in the word logos, referring to our ability to reason or reckon—what we weigh in our minds and where we focus our attention.

Seek to develop godly habits in relation to your thoughts. Develop your mind and memory. Fix your mind on things that are true, honorable, and just … whatever is pure, lovely, kind, and gracious … things with any virtue and excellence … anything worthy of praise. Practice thinking on these things!

Reflection Question: Is your mind cluttered, or focused on a godly thought life?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word translated “think about” mean in Philippians 4:8?

The Greek logizomai means to reckon, calculate, or dwell on—a deliberate mental focus, not a passing thought. Paul urges an intentional, ongoing choice to fix the mind on what is true and good.

Where was Paul when he wrote Philippians about joy and peace?

Philippians is traditionally counted among Paul’s “prison epistles,” written during imprisonment. His repeated calls to rejoice are striking given he wrote them in chains—peace rooted in Christ rather than circumstances.