Dwell on the Good

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. | Philippians 4:8

We often are reminded to be careful about our diet. The food you eat affects your overall physical health, mood, and energy. But how often do you think about your mental diet? What are you feeding your mind? 

Philippians 4:8 calls Christians to feed our minds and fix our thoughts on things that are good, pure, true, and excellent. This certainly includes Scripture, but Paul is not arguing that the only things Christians should do is read the Bible and listen to worship music. Rather, he calls us to ponder the many things in God’s world that are truly worthwhile. No doubt there is much wickedness and evil (more on that later), but many wonders remain to consider. 

Should we be surprised if we fill the greater part of our minds with junk and then develop poor mental health? This isn’t all there is to say on the matter, but surely it’s a factor. There are two sides to this. First, we ought to consider cutting out or redirecting our thoughts from the reverse of the list Paul gives. That would mean removing everything false, dishonorable, corrupt, impure, ugly, condemnable, mediocre, detestable. 

Here is another way to consider refining your mental diet.

1. What is Evil? 

If you are reading, watching, discussing or fantasizing what is actively sinful, this is top priority. Quit porn; stop fantasizing about revenge; refuse to listen or participate in gossip or crude joking. 

2. What is Empty? 

Not everything is evil, but there is much that is empty. A donut is fine occasionally (I will die on this hill). But you can’t live on donuts – they are void of nutrition. Many of us are living on empty mental calories. We don’t even watch shows with stories anymore. It’s been replaced by ‘content’. Much of it is needless, mind-wasting, tasteless, and mediocre. It just doesn’t do anything for you mentally, except slowly train you not to think or focus.

3. What is Addicting? 

I find it fascinating how many silly time-waster games are marketed as being addictive as though that is a good thing. Programmers build their apps to keep you coming back to get your daily reward or keep up your streak. But what is the payoff? Bright flashing lights, a new digital doohicky, and regret. Addictions of all kinds hijack your thought life. What are the ones you can begin to cut out?

4. What is Indoctrinating? 

Who do you listen to to help you make sense of life and the world? We have such amazing access to knowledge like no one ever has in world history (podcasts, articles, books of all subjects). However, we are all being discipled. So be mindful of who you are listening to. You will become like them. Are your political podcasts making you angry all the time? What messages are your favorite fiction authors trying to teach or reinforce? 

So does this mean that Christians should just not think of anything? Of course not!

Paul tells us to focus on what is true, just, honorable, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. And there is much. Here are a few suggestions. 

• Spend more time outside. Nature does have a mental cleansing effect.
• Enjoy worthwhile conversation. Speak of good things, wrestle with ideas, share stories of God’s blessings in your life. 
• Read good books that do more than entertain, but force you to think. This includes fiction books by skilled authors who can help explore truth.
• Enjoy the arts as a gift from God: Music skillfully played, Beautifully painting or sculptures, theater, movies, and more. Be selective.
• Appreciate fine craftsmanship. God is a skillful creator and made us to be likewise. We can appreciate a finely-tuned engine, a skilled furniture maker, a well-organized room, and well-cooked food. I think we can do this to the glory of God, and not in an indulgent or distracting way.
• If you watch Youtube, focus on videos that teach you something good: baking, fixing something in your house or car, guidance in a new hobby, etc.
• And yes. Spend time in God’s word and listen to him. 

How are you doing with your mental diet? What are things that are true, honorable, just pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy that fill your mind with what’s worthwhile?