Fix and Think || Philippians 4:8 || Manna for the Mind #8

Welcome to Day 8 of my “Manna for the Mind” devotional series! This series takes a passage of scripture (typically 1-3 verses) and builds its understanding through its context and connecting scripture. Doing this helps us understand what the Bible truly teaches us. 

Philippians 4:8

8          And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

This will probably be a different vibe for today’s blog because there was little to dive into when I studied for it. Yet, Paul leaves two massive things for us to do:

• Fix our thoughts on what’s true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.
• Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

What does it mean to fix? What does it mean to think? Those descriptors are subjective terms, aren’t they? The best way to explain this verse is through some word studies.

To fix and think in this context is the same Greek word, logizomal (log-id’-zom-ahee), meaning to reckon or consider. This word is where we get the English words “logic” and “logical.” It talks about considering reasons that lead to a logical conclusion. So, we must consider true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and excellent things. What does that mean?

True is the Greek word aléthés (al-ay-thace’), which means true. It’s a compound word that describes something as not unnoticed or not concealed. It describes something true, according to fact/reality. It stresses the undeniable reality when something is thoroughly tested. It comes from the Greek word alétheia (al-ay’-thi-a), which means truth per reality. It’s the opposite of illusion. It’s straightforward.

Consider the things that are straightforward and undeniable when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Honorable is the Greek word semnos (sem-nos’), which means reverend, venerable, and profound. It talks about dignified and well-respected things because of their majesty. It comes from the Greek word sebómai (seb’–om–ahee), which means to hold something or someone in high respect.

Consider the things that are straightforward and undeniable and held in high regard when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Right is the Greek word dikaios (dik’-ah-yos), meaning to be correct, righteous, and, by implication, innocent. It describes some that are approved by God. It comes from the Greek word dikaiosuné (dik-ah-yos-oo-nay), which means righteousness or justice. Again, it refers to the approval of God or what is deemed correct by God after he examines it.

Consider the things that are straightforward and undeniable, held in high regard, and deemed right by God when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Pure is the Greek word hagnos (hag-nos), defined as free from ceremonial defilment or holy. It describes something that is not mixed with guilt or anything condemnable.

Consider the things that are straightforward and undeniable, held in high regard, deemed right by God, and not mixed with guilt or condemnation when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Lovely is the Greek word prosphilés (pros-fee-lace’), which means pleasing or agreeable. It comes from the Greek words pros (extending toward) and philéō (affectionate caring). In essence, it describes something worthy of affection.

Consider the things that are straightforward and undeniable, held in high regard, deemed right by God, not mixed with guilt or condemnation, and worthy of affection when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Admirable is the Greek word euphémos (yoo’-fay-mos), which means well reported. This word is also used to mean “spoken in a kindly spirit,” “laudable,” and “reputable.” It comes from the Greek words eu (well/good) and phémé (a saying or reported).

Consider the things that are straightforward and undeniable, held in high regard, deemed right by God, not mixed with guilt or condemnation, worthy of affection, and spoken in a kind spirit when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Excellent is the Greek word areté (ar-et’-ay), which means moral goodness or virtue. It’s a virtue that is displayed to enrich life.

Consider the things that are straightforward and undeniable, held in high regard, deemed right by God, not mixed with guilt or condemnation, worthy of affection, spoken in a kind spirit, and enrich life when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Praiseworthy is the Greek word epainos (ep’-ahee-nos), which means praise. It resembles something that receives fitting praise, accurate acknowledgment, and enthusiastic acknowledgment for what deserves praise.

Consider the things that are straightforward or undeniable, held in high regard, deemed right by God, not mixed with guilt or condemnation, worthy of affection, spoken in a kind spirit, enrich life, and deserve praise when attempting to reach a logical conclusion.

Let’s put this all together! Fix your thoughts and think about the things that are:

• True – straightforward or undeniable
• Honorable – held in high regard
• Right – deemed correct by God.
• Pure – not mixed with guilt or condemnation
• Lovely – worthy of affection
• Admirable – spoken in a kind spirit
• Excellent – enriches life
• Praiseworthy – deserves praise.

What things fall into all these categories for you? These are the things that should guide us in how we navigate life. May you use this message to reflect on these things. Amen.

Father God, thank you for the guidance and wisdom you give us and our thoughts. Please help us to locate the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Please keep these things in our minds as we navigate through life and learn to live the life you want for us. It’s in your name, we pray. Amen.