…whatever is right …think about such things.
Summary: Thinking about “whatever is right” is really another way of saying that we are going to think about what God thinks is right. That is a good thing, but it is also good to be aware that not everyone will agree.
So far, Paul has advocated for us to think about whatever is true and noble. Now he urges us to think about “whatever is right.” This sounds easy, but it begs the question, “What is ‘right’?”
In a world where Satan has free rein to lie (John 8:44), there is no shortage of opinions about “what is ‘right.’” If God allows us to choose whether we believe in his existence or not, then he also allows us to choose what we believe is ‘right.’
When Paul encourages us to think about whatever is “right,” he is talking about whatever God thinks is right.
People who do not know God, or who know God and reject his authority, cannot “know” what is right. They have rejected the Author of life, who also happens to be the Author of Right and Wrong.
Throughout history, the majority of people seem to have rejected God’s definition of “right.” It is no different today. It is important to realize that when we choose to serve and obey God, we are choosing to go against what most people believe.
It doesn’t matter that everyone who rejects God holds to their own ideas of right and wrong. Such people are not bothered by others holding different views. What bothers them is the idea that there might be an actual standard for right and wrong, and they might be wrong.
I think it is fair to say that the idea of God “bothering them” is understating the case. It is more accurate to say it terrifies them, although they will not admit this.
Perhaps you have noticed that people who are scared or feel threatened often respond by getting angry. Anger is a natural response to a threat, but it is an emotional response, not a rational one.
So, why are we pondering all of this?
It is good to be aware that if you choose to do what Paul suggests and think about “whatever is right,” you are going to be thinking about what God says is right, not the world. The “world,” for its part, is going to feel threatened by your choice. Those who believe Satan’s lies instead of God’s truth might even get angry.
So, if you are wondering why there is so much anger in the world and why people are screaming at each other so loudly, that is the answer: if you choose God, then you are a threat.
Application: Choose wisely!
Food for Thought: What are the benefits of thinking about “whatever is right?”
Right thinking is so important because the battle for the mind is real. As you say in your devotion, to think rightly is to think as God does. If our thinking is off it will affect every area of our lives.
2 Corinthians 10: 3 – 5: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Colossians 2: 8: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces a of this world rather than on Christ.
Romans 12: 2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Thanks Rich!
Not getting taken “captive” is a BIG benefit! 🙂
What are the benefits of thinking about “whatever is right?”
We are born as eternal, spiritual beings temporarily confined within physical bodies. Our lives begin in little bodies demanding attention be given to the care and needs of these bodies. As we grow, the things of this world feed the desires of our bodies and become a driving force in our lives.
At the same time, God is calling to the eternal spiritual being in the bodies of all mankind, as He seeks a relationship leading to His righteousness being displayed in our decision making process each moment of each day.
Those who receive and apply Gods calling will receive a life built on faith in Jesus Christ, where obedience leads to increased obedience. As we focus on, give priority to, whatever is right, we will find ourselves doing “whatever is right.” As we find ourselves doing what is right, we will find ourselves walking with God, living according to His will in an increasing larger portion of our activities here on earth.
Our benefit is inner peace beyond all human understanding. We receive knowledge of and peace with our Creator God. Freedom from the cares and concerns of this temporary world as we are empowered to enjoy our eternal lives now.
We are privilaged to be used by God as He ministers to others through us. Witness life being given to the many of the spiritually dead around us, teaching His truths to those who have responded to His call and watching them as they grow and reach out to others. It is with great joy that we witness His Good News being spread by others as we approach the closing of our ministry on this earth.
Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, 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.
Thank you, Ron!
Your comment about being used by our Creator made me think of tools in a tool box. What higher calling is there than to be used for what we are created to be?
Great Point! Can’t think of any.