Get your thinking straight by thinking on the "honest"

We have looked at thinking about truth. Now we were also told to think on things that are honest.

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. Philippians 4:8.

The word honest is also translated grave in other verses. Honest means honorable, worthy of respect, dignified, serious, worthy of reverence, even holy or noble. It is being grave or above reproach as with deacons.

William Barclay explains the meaning of the word this way;

"When used to describe an individual, it describes a person who, as it has been said, moves through life as if the whole world were the temple of God."

"There are things in this world which are flippant and cheap and attractive to those who never take life seriously, but it is on the things which are serious and dignified that Christians will set their minds." 

Thinking honestly based on this definition would involve:

Truthfulness

Honesty means speaking truthfully, avoiding lies or deceitful speech, and demonstrating integrity in our communication.

Honest would mean being genuine and authentic.

Honest would be trustworthy and consistent with God's Word.

My thinking must align with the truth and not the devil's lies. I would have to be careful to ensure each thought aligns with the truth of the Word of God. So, I think in terms of honesty or truth.

Sincerity

Honesty means sincere, genuine, and pure intentions. It means being consistent with one's words and deeds. It speaks of purity and transparency.

So, I must think of purity when I think of honest things. I must understand how God has pure intentions in His dealings with me.

Dignity

When speaking of the servants of God, deacons, the word honest is translated as grave. It refers to lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy.

When I think honestly, I will have to be careful not to allow my mind to wander into doubt, fear, failure, or anything else that is not worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Accountability, Transparency, Responsibility, and Dependability

The word honest involves so much. It is transparent, does what it says, and can be depended on.

So when I control my thinking, it will be directed toward the Bible, the truth, and Jesus, not what the world would tempt me with.

So often, I run to negative things about myself, my failures, my fears, and how I feel. If I think about what is honest, I will have to trust the Word of God.

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Application

1. Be careful what you allow into your mind. We live in the age of social media. People can say anything with no regard for the truth. So, balance everything you see or hear with truth to think honestly.

2. Speak the truth in love, be genuine, and make sure your words match your actions. So avoid exaggerating, lying, or deceiving because you think about honest things.

3. Be you in private or public. Don't walk the line of pleasing people instead of being honest.

4. The Bible is full of honest things and truth. So, make a daily habit of reading, studying, and thinking about the Word of God.

5. Don't listen to or participate in gossip, slander, or backbiting.

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