Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, just, pure, lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.“
In the 1970’s there was a popular commercial for the vegetable drink V-8. The actor would eat something unhealthy on-the-go then, as an afterthought, bop themselves on the head and say, “Wow, I could’ve had a V-8”. The point was that next time they are in a hurry, they should have a quick and easy V-8 juice with eight different vegetables instead of fast food or soda.
In Philippians 4:8 there are 8 different things that Paul tells believers to “think on”. It’s a simple “filter” that he recommends for living a peaceful, worry-free life. According to this verse, when a troubling thought comes, you need to ask yourself…Is it true? Is it honest? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it filled with love? Is it a good report? Is there any virtue to it? Is there any praise? If the answer is no to any of these, then you need to resist it and replace it with what’s true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. Don’t worry, if a negative thought slips through and you start to feel anxious, just bop yourself on the head and say, “Wow, I could’ve had a Philippians 4:8…but it’s not too late!”
