Let me draw your attention to closing line of the well-known words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8-9: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
After listing all variety of wholesome things, Paul warmly exhorts the saints to think on these things. If your mind is a race-car, Paul would say to do regular laps around these things. But these things most certainly run counter to sinful desires. Our minds often chase after the tempting horrors of murder, adultery, and theft. Or they flee into a corner of anxious fears, unreasonable worries, or conspiracy theories. These evil things attract our attention and take up mental bandwidth because our hearts desire to think about those things, instead of these things. Which means your mind must be pried away from simply following carnal desires, instincts, and hormonal responses. This can only be done by the regenerating power of the Spirit and the faith in Christ which that power imparts.
But notice the closing promise: the God of peace shall be with you. Is your mind plagued by a swarm of frets & follies? Do you want the God of peace reigning in your heart, home, and nation? Then turn your mind to these things. Bend your mind to meditate on the Word. Beat down paths of mental righteousness. Paul sets before you a simple yet marvelous if/then statement: if you set your mind on these things then the God of peace is with you.
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