| “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure … think about such things.” |
| —Philippians 4:8 |
In the ancient world, a gatekeeper performed a very important job for a community and also for the household of a wealthy person. This job was usually given to a steward, who would only admit those ones who had proven trustworthy. Just a reminder from previous blog posts: a steward is a slave—sometimes more properly called a bond-slave—elevated to a position of responsibility in his master’s household. The steward has no self-interest. He remains committed only to whatever best serves his master.
Today, we need a gatekeeper for our minds—for our thought-life. Every day we are bombarded by all kinds of images and information that can drag us down. The Apostle Paul recognized this problem when he wrote these words found in Philippians 4:8-9:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
As hard as it sometimes may seem, the thoughts we allow into our minds have a profound effect on us. Let’s determine to be wise gatekeepers of our own minds. Let’s only allow those thoughts into our minds that will prove worthy and helpful in building us up in a manner that pleases our Lord.
Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, May 11, 2015
