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Whenever considering the commands of God you may seldom remember
the command to think. Actually we are always thinking, but God's
commands take into consideration those things which are to be in
our thoughts.
In the affirmative Paul says: "Finally, brethren, whatever things
are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever
things are pure, what ever things are lovely, what ever things are
of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy - meditate (think) on these things" (Phil. 4:8). Conversely
Paul instructs the Corinthians that "love thinks no evil" (I Cor.
13:5).
The greek word logizomai is a verb generally translated
think, meditate, consider, weigh, or account. It is defined as:
to take an inventory (in the mind); to consider, take into account,
weigh, meditate on a thing with a view to obtain it.
This type of thinking often involves visualization. Two of Webster's
definitions of think are: to form a mental picture; to have the
mind engaged in reflection, meditate. When we form a mental picture
of a thing, we visualize (see in the mind's eye) the thing or events
under consideration. Likewise, two of Webster's definitions of meditate
are: to focus one's thoughts on: reflect on or ponder over; to plant
or project in the mind.
One example of thinking on this level is to ask yourself: How many
windows are in my house? To answer this question you may close your
eyes and mentally walk through your house counting the windows -
if you miss a room or a window you will be able to retrace your
steps and correct your count.
So what is Paul talking about in Phil. 4:8 and I Cor. 13:5? Simply,
Christian's thoughts are to be filled with "good." And whenever
we find evil thoughts present within our mind, we are to replace
them with good thoughts. This may be easier said than done, but
think about this for a minute. The next time evil thoughts are in
your mind replace them with good thoughts by thinking about the
sacrifice of Jesus - see men scourge (whip) Jesus practically to
shreds, see the horrifying bloody murder of Jesus, see men pounding
spikes into the flesh of Jesus, hear the cries of pain, think about
Jesus as He cried out "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me,"
think of the love and sacrifice of Jesus for you and me.
Then, those who truly love the Lord and His word will turn from
evil having accessed the power God has implanted into His creation.
In Christ we may overcome sin by walking according to the Spirit
by the power in our mind (Rom. 7-8; Gal. 5:7-26). God, Christ and
the Spirit reigning in our minds through God's word - think on these
things.
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