Philippians 4:8 tells us the kinds of things that the Lord wants us to always think about, it says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." If a person sets their mind and heart only on those things that are true, that are honest, that are just (right and fair), that are pure, that are lovely, that are of good report, that are virtuous and that are praiseworthy; it will beautify his/her personality and character, and consequently, his/her life! On the other hand, if a person is always focusing and thinking about the negative things in and of life, it'll destroy his/her personality and character because negative news, negative thoughts and information will evoke wrong and negative thoughts and emotions in a person, which in turn will produce and bring out a bad, evil and wrong character in and out of them. It'll bring out and produce characteristics such as hatred, rudeness, bad-talk, bitterness, a bad attitude, anxiety etc. But God says, "Be anxious for nothing..." in other words, "Don't worry or be worryful about anything..." God knows that worrying will destroy a person's personality, character, faith and life, so He tells us not to worry about anything. Instead of focusing on, and negatively and worry-fully thinking about our problems or negative things, He shows and tells us just what to think about in Philippians 4:8. Thinking about, meditating on, and exposing oneself (mind and heart) to the kinds of things mentioned in Philippians 4:8, will build a person up and inspire that same person to become a great person and to develop a great, pleasant and right character, personality and heart in the sight of God: because He's the One who told us what kinds of things to think about and to meditate upon; and that is for our benefit and advantage in life!
God's will for us is to be full of joy and to enjoy our lives! He tells us to "rejoice always..." - to be full of joy all the time. Another place in the Bible communicates that "...in His (God's) presence is fullness of joy..." but how can a person be full of joy if they are constantly worrying and negatively thinking and meditating upon their troubles and problems and other things? They can't! Those are the kinds of things that eat up your joy! The things that will keep a person full of joy and happiness all day every day however, are the kinds of things mentioned in Philippians 4:8. Firstly, there are many good and beautiful things in Christ, the Bible is full of the information and knowledge of what those things are; God wants you to always see (recognize, acknowledge) and behold those things with the eyes of your heart!
Secondly, there are many good and beautiful things in other people; God wants you to see and behold those things in them much more and rather than the negative and imperfect things in them!
Thirdly, life is full of many good things. The Bible says, "The earth is full of His (the Lord's) goodness..." and God says that He wants us to always see (recognize, acknowledge) and behold those things!
Finally, God Himself is full of goodness, glory and beauty; and He wants us to always see Him (His glory) with the eyes of our hearts: because the more of His glory, beauty, goodness and kindness we see and meditate upon, the more glorious, beautiful, good and kind we become! In 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Bible communicates just that, it says, "And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit."
In the book of Exodus, Moses asked God to show him His (God's) glory; and God responded saying, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, 'The Lord (Yahweh, Jehova),' before you..." (Exodus 33:19 AMP). So when the time came for God to reveal His glory to Moses, the Bible says, "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, 'The Lord! The Lord! A God merciful (compassionate, deeply loving) and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, keeping mercy and loving-kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin...'" (Exodus 34:6-7 AMP) From these scriptures, it is evident that the glory of God is more than outward glory, it's an inward glory that radiates to His outer-being and life; His character, nature and personality are His glory, splendour and goodness! So the more of God's glory, personality and character we are exposed to and that we meditate upon as His children, the more glorious we ourselves do indeed become. In Ephesians 5:1, God shows us His will, He says, "Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]."
Be sure to think and meditate upon those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy, because they will evoke joy and excellency of personality and character in and through you! Remember, "Joy is an emotion that is evoked (activated, triggered, turned on) by satisfaction, appreciation and pleasure!"
By Arthur Ncube.