Positive Thinking, Bible-Style

April 24, 2008

By Ken Horn

We have all heard the positive thinking slogans.

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

“Talk your dreams into reality.”

“You live what you say.”

None of these is completely true. But there is an element of truth in them.

The psychological mind-over-matter philosophy is wrong, as is the speak-truth-into-reality positive confession doctrine. But there is a biblical version of positive thinking that is 100 percent right on — and Christians should practice it every day.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.”

This is some of the best advice for solid Christian living to be found anywhere. Get into the habit of thinking about good things.

Fill your mind with thoughts of things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report … anything virtuous or praiseworthy. This is God’s Word’s version of positive thinking. It’s not trying to convince yourself; it is filling your spirit with the best possible thoughts.

Try living in Philippians 4:8 for a few days. You will find this is one habit you won’t want to break.

Though the verse does not promise you wealth or prosperity, if you heed it, you mind, spirit, body, even your future will be more positive, promising and filled with the good things of God.

Why not try positive thinking, Bible-style?

— Ken Horn is the editor of Today’s Pentecostal Evangel and blogs at Snapshots (khorn.agblogger.org).