“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” (Philippians 4:8).
There is nothing we can do about initial thoughts, feelings, or emotions when they happen. These thoughts, feelings, emotions come to us. Oftentimes, we are on the receiving end of thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they occur to us.
While we can’t do much about when these thoughts, feelings, or emotions come to us, we are absolutely responsible for what thoughts, feelings, or emotions we allow to dwell in us. Just because they occur doesn’t mean they need to stay. We are 100% responsible for thoughts, feelings, and emotions we allow to dwell.
The Apostle Paul tells us to “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). And in our verses of the day, the Apostle Paul tells us, “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” (Philippians 4:8).
An old Cherokee man is teaching his grandson about life.
“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.”
“One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith…”
“The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
Starve negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Feed thoughts, feelings, and emotions that honor God.
Praxis: Faith in Action 