Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
The sixth layer of the Divine Smart-Thinking Pyramid is built with “admirable thoughts”. “Commendable, outstanding, and splendid thoughts are admirable and drive incredible lifestyles. Admirable thoughts like noble thoughts are above the norms. Thinking outside the box to exercise our faith in Christ Jesus is incredibly admirable and forms the next layer of the divine smart-thinking pyramid. Unconventionally thinking to live fruitfully and purposefully will radiate the love of Jesus in this callous and cold society.
Ugly thoughts of blame, shame, guilt, grudge or revenge must be replaced by admirable thoughts. There are people who brood over insults, abuse or unpleasant events for years. The people who hurt them would have been long gone but they would struggle to forgive even those who are dead for decades. Replacing ugly thoughts with peace-loving thoughts is a conscious intentional decision.
When the devil reminds us of an abuse or accusation we must replace the ugly thoughts with praise and thanksgiving. Thank God for His grace, mercy and forgiveness. When the demons goad us with grudge, remember the forgiveness of Jesus on the cross. When he stings us with guilt, we must splash the blood of Jesus over the shame. Replace ugly thoughts with admirable thoughts.
An admirable thought led the woman with the issue of blood to receive her miracle. Because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed” (Mark 5:28). “Childlike faith is admirable to the Lord, but admirable faith begins with admirable thoughts.”
Smart-Thinkers are admirable thinkers:
1. Faith: Demolish doubt that destroys faith. Disbelief starts as doubt and soon our thoughts stream is infected by deliberations and dissensions. Nip it in the bud. Uproot negative, pessimistic and doubtful thoughts before they flood our mind and pollute the heart.
2. Fervor: Be passionate in the little and big tasks. There are no meager or menial jobs in the eyes of the Lord. “Be faithful in the small things because in them your strength lies” – Mother Teresa. In fact, our service in obscurity is richly rewarded as much as or even more than public or stage ministry. When we value who we serve rather than what we do, our thoughts are admirable in the sight of God.
3. Fruitful: Cultivate productive thinking. Productive thinking will eliminate futile thoughts. Most of the time fear is the root cause of futile thought patterns. Don’t waste time by mulling over non-productive thoughts that do not lead to creativity, positivity or improvements. Time wasted can never be recovered. Futile thoughts drag us away from our goals and purpose and drown us in guilt and shame. It robs us of our joy and peace. Overcome fearful, non-productive and futile thoughts by redirecting yourself to creative and fruitful thinking.
Faith, fervor and fruitful thoughts are admirable, commendable and above the norms.
Ponder on whatever is admirable.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, help me to be appreciative of all the blessings that I have as appreciation disciplines my thoughts to be admirable, commendable and faithful. Amen.
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