Frame Your Day – Philippians 4:8

Frame your day with Philippians 4:8 from the very start. Why do we have an early morning prayer time and devotional?  The reason is, that it is so important to start the day off on the right foot… to put the proper frame around your day.

The Right Frame For Your Day

If you’ve ever seen a beautiful painting that has the wrong frame, you know what I mean.  That same painting with the proper frame is completely different, and a proper frame doesn’t detract or distract from the painting, but enhances what is already there.  In the same way, the proper focus in our lives will only enhance who we are in Christ.

Frame Your Day with Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Phil 4:8 nkjv)

The verse above starts out, Finally!  Paul has been teaching here on spiritual stability, and this verse is the climax.  He gives us a list of things to think on… that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, has virtue, and any other thing that is praiseworthy… and then says, “meditate on these things!”

The word “meditate” in the original Greek language is “logizomai” and means more than to just to think about something.  It means “to evaluate, to consider, or to calculate.”  We are to examine the qualities that Paul has listed in this verse, and then meditate on their implications for our lives.

It becomes a habit, and by the way, it should!

We are the product of our thoughts.  The Bible as much as says so in Proverbs 23:7 when Solomon says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

The Frame: What Do We Think About?

The list here in this verse gives us a great start (Philippians 4:8).  Let me simplify this…

• Whatever is True – Basically, the Word of God is Truth (John 17:17).  The judgments of the Lord are true (Psalm 19:9). His commandments are true (Psalm 119:151).  When we study and meditate on the Bible, we are getting that which is True.  Everything starts right here… in the Scripture!
• Whatever is Noble – The root of this word talks of that which is honorable, dignified, and worthy of respect.  The word means “to revere” or “to worship.”  It is the opposite of that which is trivial, temporal, and worldly.  It means that we think on things that are worthy of awe, adoration, and praise.
• Whatever is Just - Here, we see that we meditate on that which is righteous. In other words, that which is in harmony with God’s eternal, unchanging standards.  We need to see things consistently with how God sees them, and we get that too from studying the Bible.
• Whatever is Pure – These are things that are morally clean, holy, and undefiled.  Free from sin is another way to put it.  First John tells us, “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:3).
• Whatever is Lovely –  This word is also translated as “sweet, gracious, generous, and patient.”  We meditate on that which is pleasing to God.
• Whatever is Of Good Report – This is an interesting concept as well.  Here, our thoughts are focused on that which is highly regarded.  The idea is that the Bible helps us elevate our way of thinking and causes us to fix our attention on the loftiest themes.

In Conclusion

In summary, if we can get into the habit of meditating on these things consistently, and on a daily basis, our lives will be changed.

Romans 12:1-2 tells us that we are “transformed by the renewing of our mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

So, I want to challenge you (and myself) to start off thinking about something good from God’s Word.  I love to start the day with something that will be my focal point for that 24 hour period. frame your day with philippians 4:8

Frame Your Day Dessert - Something Extra

Something I regularly do is take one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit and dwell on it throughout the day… be it love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control (Galatians 5:22-23).  The day becomes “framed” with that one idea.  I look for ways to apply the word that day in my life… or ways that I failed to apply it.  Either way, God uses it to help me grow more like Him.

I remember hearing someone say, “He’s so heavenly minded that he’s of no earthly use.”  I beg to differ with that.  I think that when we do have our minds focused on things above, only then can we be used effectively here on earth!”  Colossians 3:1-2 backs that up!

Anyway, now it’s your turn!  🙂 frame your day with philippians 4:8

Discussion Question: If this resonates with you, give us some other ideas or passages we can use to frame the day!

Looking for additional good thoughts to frame your day with? Then, check out our Ultimate List of Missionary Quotes!