Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
Just as our bodies need physical food, our minds need mental food. Just as our physical health depends on the quality of the food we eat, so it is with our minds. As dieticians tell us, “You are what you eat”. If you live on junk food, your body will reflect that. If you’re careless about your physical diet, your physical health will suffer.
Likewise, the importance of feeding your mind consistently on a rich mental diet cannot be overemphasised. Don’t be careless with your mental diet. Mind your mind food. Avoid junk mental food. Beware of mental poison. Choose your thoughts wisely.
Here is junk mental food you must eliminate from your life: fear, lies, all negative thoughts, bitterness, hate, pettiness and so forth. In fact, some food is not just “junk”, it’s actually poisonous! Avoid it at all costs-whether it’s physical or mental poison. Sadly, mind-poison is difficult to recognise. The “containers” of mental poison are NOT clearly labelled as in the case of chemical poison.
So in order to stay healthy in mind, as Paul says in our text today, choose a mental diet which is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy. Use these 8 criteria to judge the quality of any idea presented to you. If any idea fails the Phil 4:8 Test, regardless of its appeal or excitement, know that it’s certainly either junk food or poison. Avoid it!
Pastor Josh