Garbage in Garbage out

Garbage in Garbage out!

Sept. 30

“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.”

Philippians 4:8 NIV

I think we’ve all heard the saying, “garbage in garbage out.”  Some of us may have even have used it.  I know that I have.  Ive told my children that what come out of us is a result of what ever is inside of us.  It’s like two dogs living inside.  These dogs don’t like each other and frequently fight with each other.  Do you know which dos usually wins the fight?  Well the stronger one of course.  And which dog is stronger, the one that gets the most food.  

This is exactly what Paul is saying in Philippians.  Paul is wrapping up Philippians and says, the key to this spiritual life that I’ve been talking about is based upon what you think. So here’s a list of things you should think about.  No that’s not what he says! Paul says here is a list of what you must think about.  The Greek word here for, “think about” or ”dwell on” is logizomai its in the imperative form which means its a, “Command.” Our right thinking is not optional.  We are commanded to control our thoughts and think on right things.  

What we put into our hearts becomes what we think about, what we think about becomes what we are.  When you fill your heart with evil, evil is what comes out of you.  As Christians we have been told to fill our hearts and minds with good and pure thoughts. Thus good is what will come out of us.  This is a spiritual discipline with which we must wrestle each day.  If you are not fighting this spiritual battle you are losing the war.  Our victory come from the Lord and at the same time we must discipline our minds to think upon what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.