Philippians 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV) 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.
Remember yesterday’s devotional about influences and look at this as the answer to that problem. Note carefully here that thinking on things that are pleasing is not listed. Pleasure is associated with a wide range of physical responses to past experiences. It can lead to obsession, addiction and bondage to something unhealthy for the soul.
We have free will and we choose what we want to dwell upon. It is a choice and Satan isn’t making you choose what to think. Do not blame Satan for the choices we make. We are free in Christ to choose the better thing.
Luke 10:41-42 English Standard Version (ESV)
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
What was Mary doing prior to this? Sitting at Jesus’ feet hanging on every word. Mary was practicing Philippians 4:8.
Is there something inside you saying “But I have things to do, responsibilities to be met.” Often times we receive these encouragements after our day begins. Do we start out our day as Mary did or are we distracted by worldly concerns? If we start the day as Mary did, then the words of Jesus hold true for us all day long. The words will not be taken from us.
We make a conscious decision as to how our days begin.