"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."
— Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Paul gives us a powerful guideline for what deserves our mental attention. He lays out a clear standard for evaluating whether something is worth our time, thoughts, and focus.

A Conversation About Content

My friends and I once had a conversation about what kind of movies or music we should watch or listen to as Christians. We understood that we're not supposed to consume content that goes against the will of God, especially if our goal is to keep our thoughts as pure as possible.

It wasn't until we read the verse above that we really started to understand what kind of things are truly worth our attention, our time, and our thoughts.

What We Choose to Think About

Remember when we talked about the principle of Think and Do? We mentioned how important our thoughts are. But just as important is what we choose to think about. Not everything needs or deserves our attention—especially if our goal is to develop pure thoughts that lead to pure actions. That's exactly why Paul gives us this list as a guide.

We need to cultivate the habit of focusing on things that are positive, uplifting, and spiritually healthy. Paul calls us to think on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. These qualities form a clear checklist for what should be shaping our minds.

The Gateways to the Soul

Our thoughts are shaped by our five senses which are the gateways to the soul.

What we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell all influence our inner life. That's why it's so important to guard those senses from anything harmful or corrupt.

If we want to cultivate pure thoughts, we have to be intentional about what we allow in. That means being willing to reject anything that goes against God's truth. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us, we must "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

Practical Biblical Principles for Cultivating Pure Thoughts

1. Meditate on God's Word daily

"I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways."
— Psalm 119:15

2. Surrender your mind fully to God

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
— Matthew 22:37

3. Let your thoughts and words be pleasing to Him

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord."
— Psalm 19:14

4. Keep your mind steadfast in the Lord

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
— Isaiah 26:3

5. Focus on eternal, not earthly, things

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
— Colossians 3:2

6. Renew your mind daily

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
— Romans 12:2

7. Meditate on God's Word even at night

"Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word."
— Psalm 119:148

8. Reflect on God's works and speak of them

"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."
— Psalm 77:12

9. Delight in God's law and meditate on it day and night

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
— Psalm 1:2

The Result of Pure Thoughts

By following these principles, we learn to cultivate pure thoughts. The result isn't just clearer thinking, but a life shaped by peace, joy, and righteousness—the kind that comes from focusing on what truly matters.

Remember: What you think about shapes who you become. Choose to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.