Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 about such things.”
Explanation and Commentary of Philippians 4:8
For the one who is serious about following Jesus, it can sometimes be hard to know what to do. Here is concrete instruction for the transformation that comes from the renewal of the mind (Ro 12:1-3). It could also be called a way to abide in Christ (Jn 15).
The mind is the starting point for behavior. When the evil one wants to entice a person to sin, he starts in the mind. He speaks lies and condemnation until he gets the emotional response that he is looking for. Then he whispers suggestions of ways to calm or alleviate the emotion that would cause the person to disobey God in some way.
But Paul gives the Philippians a way to beat Satan at his own game. Instead of waiting for Satan, the world, or your own brokenness, feed your mind with good things, positive things, godly things. Think about Christ himself. Be present with God in this moment. Watch the emotions follow, and the godly behaviors after that.