Meditate On Good things
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. —PHILIPPIANS 4:8
We are the product of what we take in. If we take garbage in, garbage will come out. But Jesus said: “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man” (Matt. 15:11). The real problem is what’s in us. It’s that fallen flesh. Sin doesn’t come from the outside in; it comes from the inside out.
This verse tells us there are all kinds of things outside that excite that sin inside. Paul is saying, “Look, if you want to live a life that honors God, meditate on godliness.” “Whatever is true” encompasses all the revelation of God. Truth is found in God, in Christ, in the Holy Spirit, in the Scripture. “Whatever is noble” means to meditate on what is worthy of respect, what is sacred as opposed to the profane. “Whatever is just” means to measure it by the divine standard of holiness. “Whatever is pure” means morally clean. “Whatever is lovely” means amiable or pleasing. “Whatever is of good report” is whatever is kind and gracious and edifying.
So if there is any value in virtue, and if there is any value in a life that is worthy of praise, meditate on these things. Make sure the focus of your life is directed toward these things, and you will enjoy the wonderful fruit of this kind of godly thinking