What does it mean that we should think on whatever is pure (Philippians 4:8)?

Answer

The apostle Paul acknowledged the tremendous power of our thought life. He comprehended that our thoughts shape our emotions and actions. By safeguarding our minds with positive thinking, we cultivate healthier mindsets that result in righteous behavior. Therefore, in Philippians 4:8, Paul recommended a list of virtues for believers to focus on: “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.”

What does it mean to contemplate whatever is pure? According to one commentary, the phrase “think on” or “think about” means “to reflect on, to assign proper importance and value to, and to let this evaluation influence one’s way of life” (Motyer, J. A., The Message of Philippians, InterVarsity Press, 1984, p. 212). The term pure in this context signifies “holy” in the sense of “moral purity.”

Meditating on whatever is pure involves filling our minds with thoughts that are innocent, virtuous, clean, untainted by evil, and devoid of any impurity. Pure thoughts should permeate every aspect of our lives, including our entertainment choices, reading materials, and actions. Our contemplations on sensuality, morality, ethics, spirituality, and worship should all reflect purity. Reflecting on whatever is pure will guide us away from sin, guilt, and shame, drawing us closer to God.

Jesus taught that external factors do not defile us; rather, it is what resides within us—what emanates from our hearts: “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart” «there is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. », (Mark 7:15).

15). We must conceal the purity of God’s Word securely in our hearts to avoid sinning against God «Thy word have I hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against thee. », (Psalm 119:11). We achieve this by reading His Word, memorizing it, and meditating on it day and night.

The psalmist proclaimed, “The words of the LORD are flawless words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6;ESV;cf: 119:140). Psalm 119:9 inquires and responds, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word” (ESV). Continuously meditating on the Word of God is one of the most effective ways we can safeguard our hearts and ensure we are contemplating whatever is pure «The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. », (Psalm 19:8).

To consistently focus on whatever is pure, believers must “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” «casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; », (2 Corinthians 10:5). James teaches, “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted” «But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. », (James 3:17, ESV).

Paul instructed the Ephesians that, before saSalvation, their thoughts were “full of darkness” «For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: », (Ephesians 5:8). The unsaved wander far from God because their minds are hardened and closed to Him «having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: », (Ephesians 4:18). Unbelievers have “no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity” «who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. », (Ephesians 4:19, NLT). But Christians “throw off the old sinful nature and former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception,” and allow the Holy Spirit to renew their thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 4:22-23;NLT).

Paul’s encouragement to think on whatever is pure has the goal of producing purity of thought, purpose, words, and actions. To the spiritual leader, Paul said, “Keep yourself pure” «Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. », (1 Timothy 5:22). The apostle desired to present his spiritual children “as a pure bride to one husband—Christ” «For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. », (2 Corinthians 11:2, NLT).

The apostle John also urged God’s children—those who longed to see Jesus face to face— to “keep themselves pure, just as he is pure” «And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.», (1 John 3:3, NLT). Whenever we find ourselves drifting from God, we ought to pray like David, “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. . . . Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:7-10). The Christian’s entire way of life ought to be a never-ending quest to stay pure, “for he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” «according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:», (Ephesians 1:4).