Postive Mental Attitude
8 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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
~ Philippians 4:8-9, ESV
Positive Mental Attitude
(Phil 4:8-9)
Intro:
A. Being a disciple of Jesus is a calling and a joy. I have so many good things in this life because of my relationship that comes by being united with Jesus. One of the aspects of being a Christian is striving to be the image of Christ to the world around us. When non-Christians view me, I want them to see the heart of Jesus at work in me. I want them to know love that is unconditional. I want them to know that I give and share because they are valued, not because of what they can do for me. I want them to say that I unlike others because I live like Jesus.
B. There is a word that Christians use to describe the process of change in our lives. We use the word “Transformation.” To be transformed is to be different that I was before. My sinful self wanted what was best for me. I wanted the best I could have and that sinful aspect becomes willing to do whatever it takes to get to where I want to be. Sometimes, that brings harm to others along the way. Then there is the Spirit-filled side of me. The Spirit wants to produce in me the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control. The Spirit wants to transform that sinful mind into a Christ-like mind.
C. Paul put it this way (Read Rom. 12:1-2). I want you to see that transformation begins inside me, in my mind. When I renew my mind, change the way I process what to do next, I make those decisions based upon God will not mine. I change my way of thinking and I change my way of living.
I. Think About What Is…Just
A. In our theme passage, Paul is asking us to inventory our mind, to really examine what we think about and how that affects what we do. When we think about things that true and worthy of respect, we think on a higher level than when we let our mind drift off to things that are self-serving or of this world.
B. Paul adds to his list of things that are from above, the word “just” or “right.” Matthew describes Joseph as being a just man (righteous man). His character was one in which he discerned right from wrong. He sought what was just or right for others, in this case Mary who was pregnant but he was not the father. God chose Joseph to be the father figure in the earthly life of Jesus because of this characteristic.
C. That’s the calling here. Don’t just think about what you believe is fair. I get that. But think about what is right. Sometimes what is right causes me to let some wrong caused to me to be used in a way that I can help the one who wronged me. Sometimes, when you think about what is just or right you see the value in other person and know that you can live without a freedom for the sake of unity with that other person. God teaches us that in Romans 14. I might have the right to eat meat – but if my eating causes your faith to stumble and pushes you away from the joy of salvation, then I won’t eat that meat in front of you. Why? Because what is just or right is you staying in the body of Christ, even when I have the freedom in Christ to do something differently.
D. Put into to practicality. You do have emotions and sometimes the emotion of anger arises within you. God doesn’t tell you not to get angry, but God does call us to deal with our anger in manner that is just/right. So before I speak when I am angry, I need to ask myself, “Are the words I am about to say ‘just/right’ in the eyes of God?” When I upset and I have the world before me on Facebook, does my post show Jesus at work me or that I put my faith aside and speak with words that cause shame upon Jesus and his church? Think about what is just/right and then open your mouth, post on social media, react to your child’s actions or spouse’s words. Lift your mind above this earth to higher ground.
II. Think About What Is….Pure
A. Another way to stay positive is to think about things that are pure. There is an old word that is not used, but it’s a good word, “Chaste.” The calling for moral purity in the mind is so needed today. It’s easy to have your mind in the gutter when you think about or speak about people. This society wants to sexualize everyone from the youngest age possible.
B. God steps in and calls us upward. Think about things that pure, innocent, chaste, of moral character. Again, this is retraining of the mind. For many we look at people and instantly make a judgement call about their outward appearance. We forget that they are a person who has a soul, who wants to be genuinely cared for and valued.
C. Think about that which is innocent. Let your mind be a little naïve. It’s not all bad to not know all the slang that people use whose mind is in the gutter. But that’s not you. You rise above that. That’s not easy when your friends, colleagues or even acquaintances start telling coarse jokes and expect us to laugh at them. Where’s your mind right then? Think about that which is pure.
Conclusion:
A. When Jesus was challenged by some chief priest and elders while at the Temple, Jesus told them a story and asked them a question. His story was simple. A father had two sons. He asked both to go and work in the vineyard and work. One said no, but changed his mind and went. The other said yes, but never went. Here’s the question Jesus asked, “Which did the will of the father?” They answered, “The one who changed his mind and went.”
B. Are you changing your mind? Are you thinking differently because of your relationship with your Heavenly Father? Inventory your mind. Better yet, think on the things that Paul is teaching us in our text. From the heart and mind flow the actions. Let Jesus be seen in you. It starts when you think like Jesus. If we can help you in your walk, share in a joy or lift you up before God, then come as we stand and sing.
Because of Jesus,
Jeffrey Dillinger, minister