Fix Your Mind – Whatever is Pure (Part 4)
November 14, 2023
I like to have a clean house. I don’t routinely achieve this, but there is something about a clean house that makes me feel better and more centered. Everything is put in order, and I can relax. Perhaps that is the reason why “pure” made the list of things to fix your mind upon that brings peace. Pure is defined as clean or not mixed with anything that weakens or pollutes.
In this series, I am examining Philippians 4:8 as it contains advice about focusing the mind away from the things that worry or make me anxious and toward something that brings peace. The Apostle Paul writes:
8 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. (AMP)
We spend a lot of time and energy trying to reach a high state of purity in our water, in our air, and in our pharmaceuticals. The Bible often uses an analogy of the process of refining gold. Gold is melted down and the dirt and contaminants are burned away. After refining, the only thing left is “pure” gold and the pure gold has a high value. This refining process is also called trying, and that is what is meant in Proverbs 30:5.
5 Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. (AMPC)
1 Corinthians 1:30
30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord. (NLT)
James 3:17
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (NLT)
These scriptures point to God’s Word and His wisdom as being pure. So, fixing your mind on what is pure is as simple as reading your Bible. I have an example of the pure Word of God bringing peace. Nearly 25 years ago, my marriage was failing, and divorce was imminent. I was afraid of what my family would think. Would they reject me because of my failure? I was seeing a counselor at the time, and when I told her about this worry, she asked me to think about what is the worst that could happen if my family rejected me. As I pondered this question the following day, I came across this scripture in Psalm 27:9-10.
9 Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! 10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. (NTL)
A peace fell on me at that moment. I realized that even if my family did reject me, the Lord never would. Fixing my mind on the pure Word of God gave me my answer; I knew at that moment I would survive rejection. Of course, it was ridiculous to even think that my parents or family would reject me. They are generous, kind people who have shown me unconditional love all my life. When worry or fear comes knocking at the door of my mind, I need to clean house! Searching out and meditating on scriptures that speak to my current situation is a rich source of peace and comfort.
Don’t forget that our Advent sale ends tomorrow, November 15th! The Use My Name paperback and ebook are currently 20% off in our shop with discount code ADVENT20 at checkout. Have a blessed season!