God gave each of us value and worth to live life for Him. Our thoughts should be on Him and reflect who He is. Phillipians 4:8 says...whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy... meditate on these things.

Things that are true are those that are not false or unreliable, but genuine and real. Many things in this world are deceptive and illusory, promising what they can never supply. We should set our thoughts on that which is loyal, faithful and true. God's Word is true. Often we get "junk mail" promising to give us something if we will just do this or that. When you read the fine print of some things, you find out the true mean behind the advertisement. It can be misleading if you are not careful. Even our friends can sometimes mislead us, not always intentionally, and that is why we need to rely on God.

Things that are noble means honorable or morally attractive, reverance, or worthy. God is the only one worthy of praise. He is holy and He is honorable. Things that are pure means free from sin, without fault, and of high moral character. It describes that which has been cleansed. It is fit to be brought into the presence of God and used in his service.

Things that are pure... It would be nice if our thoughts were always clean and honorable for God. It would be nice if our actions and everything within us could be pure and free from sin, yet that is what Jesus came to do: make us pure before a Holy God. When I think of being pure, I think of the brith of my twin boys. They were so sweet, innocent and did not have a scratch on them. They were perfect looking little babies.

Things that are lovely means that which is admirable or agreeable to behold or consider love inspiring, worthy of being loved or pleasing in character. We should set our minds on kindness, sympathy, or forebearance. Have you ever heard the expression "you are as lovely as a rose"? It would be nice if we could hear "you are as lovely as the God you serve".

Things that are of good report means excellent account of, it is things fit for God to hear or fair sounding. We should watch the words we say and think to make sure they are fit for God to hear. Many things we hear around us today, especially on TV or at the movies and sometimes even in the workplace are not of good report. A lot of talk is negative or putting others down and we need to encourage others.

If there be any virtue referrs to excellence, being concerned with Godly things or moral goodness. We need to think of things God has done for us and remember our salvation. We need to think of the things we learn,receive, hear and see in Him. Our world certainly does not seem concerned with Godly things sometimes, but as Christians we can show others what is good. My boys like the phrase "What would Jesus do", and that says it all.

Anything praiseworthy gives glory to God. Adoration from the hear is worthy of praise or praise to God. We should praise God for everything and not seek man's praise. Isn't God wonderful! He is all we need.

Meditate on these things. What does it mean to meditate? It means to plan or intentionally think deeply. We should think about the things of God. Right thinking leads to right living.

When we put all these things together, what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy then meditate on all these things...we become more like God. We do not have time for the negative, to let our enemies have a foothold in our lives. We can change our way of thinking to God's way of thinking simply by meditating on God's goodness.