The brain is an amazing organ created by God to enable us to focus on what we are doing. It is not made to multi-task. Hence, we can only focus on doing one task at any one time (eg: focus on praying, etc). Otherwise, the tasks that we are doing all at the same time (i.e. “multi-tasking”) will not be well done or will become a mess.

Paul said, “…we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). We, as Christians, are blessed with the mind of Christ, i.e. we are able to think like Jesus daily. As such, we must always protect and guard our minds from the sinful and evil things of this sin-filled world. As we sojourn in this world, we must be aware that these sinful and evil things may infiltrate our minds. We must nip them in the bud. Otherwise, they will overwhelm our minds and we may fail in our struggle to live for Christ.

Even as Paul’s past as an unbeliever (Phil 3:4-6) was in his mind, his response to this remembrance was not one of pride, but to count, and continue to count, his past as “loss for Christ” (Phil 3:7). Thus, as we remember our past (for we may never forget our past), we must respond to the remembrance correctly.

In order to overcome our struggles with what are in our minds, Paul gave eight descriptions of things in Philippians 4:8 that we are to “think on.” To “think on” means to take an inventory of (i.e. to take stock of) every aspect of our lives. And it is to be done continually, by ourselves personally, no one else can do it for us. The eight descriptions of things that we are to take stock of in our lives are:

(1) “true” – We must obey God’s Word, be truthful and not be a hypocrite.

(2) “honest” – We must have no hidden agenda. We must not cheat.

(3) “just” – We must do that which is right according to God’s Word in all situations, without manipulation. We must trust God for the outcome.

(4) “pure” – Our lives must not be tarnished or stained by sin. Whatever we do, there must be no hidden agenda of selfish gain. We are to just do what is right.

(5) “lovely” – We must be friendly, and desire to immediately make right with those whom we have wronged, and forgive those who have wronged us. We do not slander or hurt others behind their backs.

(6) “of good report” – Others must see Christ in us, in all areas of our life. Eg: our gentleness, kindness, dependability, diligence, punctuality, giving of our best.

(7) “virtue” – We must be morally good by obeying God’s commandments.

(8) “praise.”

Paul then said that we are to “do” (Phil 4:9) it. To “do” means to practise; it is repetitive doing. Then our words, behaviour and conduct will be changed. And the result will be peace in our hearts because “the God of peace” shall be with us.