“Friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 (The MSG)

You can imagine this scripture as being friend-to-friend advice. A way for Paul, with his age and experience, to tell his friends what he thinks is valuable. In the overall sense, Paul realizes it’s natural to think negative thoughts. We are in a constant battle in our mind, always thinking this way and that.

However, in Christ, the battle is already won!

So, although it is natural to have thoughts that bring us down, we are a new creation in Christ!

This scripture shows us we have a choice. We can choose to dwell on negative things, or we can choose to dwell on Godly, pure things. The best part about it is that the more we choose to dwell on righteous matters, the easier it becomes!

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

We all have a choice, and if you want to grow and do the best you can with your life, then forget your negative thoughts and choose to love your uplifting, God-breathed thoughts!