Thinking on What is Right: A Path to Steadfast Faith

A Devotional Series on Philippians 4:8

Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8 are not complicated, but they are direct. When Paul states, “Whatever is right…think about such things,” he is giving us a mental boundary line.

The Call to Fix Our Gaze on Jesus

Whatever is right is a call for spiritual alignment. It’s a recalibration of our spirit, soul, and body to align with the Holy Spirit’s truth, Jesus Himself.

Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:1-3 WEB

By fixing our gaze on Jesus, the temptations, snares, and entanglements of the world lose their enticement, shine, and power. We are set free in Christ.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. ~2 Corinthians 3:17-18 WEB

Christ has transformed us, is transforming us, and will transform us into His likeness. As we focus on His righteousness, we are conformed into His image, Christlikeness.

Righteousness and Wisdom

Christ, the Righteous One, makes us righteous.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. ~2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB

Christ is the embodiment of wisdom.

Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ~Colossians 2:3 NASB

Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. ~1 Corinthians 1:24c WEB

Spiritual wisdom is inseparable from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who become to us wisdom from God, the righteousness and sanctification, and redemption. ~1 Corinthians 1:30 NASB

A Call to Steadfast Faith

God calls us to an inward transformation through His Son, Jesus. Walking out our faith requires wisdom, which we can ask Him for daily.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ~James 1:5 WEB

The Lord is generous in giving us understanding through His Word.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. ~Proverbs 9:10 NASB

Beholding Him, allowing Him to transform us through His Word, and being renewed in His Presence, makes all the difference. He is life-changing.

Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. ~Colossians 3:2 WEB

As we encourage one another, we double the joy and share our burdens and sorrows, making this journey through life easier.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ~Colossians 3:16 NASB

None of us has arrived. None of us is perfect. But let us keep pressing forward on the path of faith.

Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 3:14-15 WEB

Prayer

Lord, we bless and praise You, the Holy and Righteous One. Lord, we confess that You set a high standard for us when, with joy, You endured the cross and conquered sin, death, and the grave, then sat down at the right hand of the throne of God to intercede for us.

Lord, thank you for delivering us from every evil deed and bringing us safely to Your heavenly Kingdom. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, we refuse to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

Lord, thank you that You promised to keep the steadfast of mind in perfect peace, because we trust in You. Lord, we choose to trust You and to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and love.

Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, we choose to do our work heartily, as for You rather than for men, knowing that it is from You that we will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is You, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we serve. Amen.¹

How will you fix your gaze this week to keep your thoughts right and your steps on the path of faith?

References

Acts 3:14 WEB; Hebrews 12:2; Romans 8:34; 2 Timothy 4:18 NASB; Colossians 2:8 NASB; Isaiah 26:3 NASB; Colossians 3:12-14 NASB; Colossians 3:23-24 NASB¹

New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is a registered trademark.