Devotions based on week 13 of Joy in the Journey: Mindset (WATCH HERE)
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9)
At the close of his list, Paul lifts our minds to a higher standard of excellence and praise. He isn’t merely telling us to have “positive thinking.” Instead, he calls us to set our thoughts on what is truly excellent and praiseworthy, the highest good that reflects the character of God.
Excellence refers to moral virtue and living in a way that aligns with God’s best. It means not settling for mediocrity in our spiritual lives but striving toward maturity and holiness. Colossians 3:23–24 echoes this: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Excellence, then, is not perfectionism; it’s wholehearted devotion to God.
Praiseworthy directs our minds toward worship. When we think about things that inspire us to thank, honor, and glorify God, we shift from self-centered living to God-centered living. Psalm 103:2 says, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Remembering God’s works and rehearsing His faithfulness cultivates gratitude and strengthens our joy.
In a noisy world filled with distractions and mediocrity, the Spirit of God calls us to focus on the higher things of God. The things we allow to dominate our thoughts either elevate us closer to God or drag us down into discouragement and sin. Neuroscience confirms this: when we focus on gratitude and excellence, our brain produces dopamine and serotonin—chemicals that enhance motivation and contentment. In short, excellence and praise renew both our souls and our minds.
Practical Ways to Think on What Is Excellent and Praiseworthy:
- Examine your standards – Are you living to please people or to honor God? What would excellence for Christ look like in your work, studies, or relationships?
- Shift from complaining to gratitude – Replace grumbling with praise by keeping a daily list of reasons to thank God. (Shine don’t whine!)
- Surround yourself with excellence – Read Scripture, listen to worship music, or learn from faithful Christians who reflect well the mind of Christ.
- Praise God out loud – Speaking or singing praise not only honors God but rewires your own thinking toward joy. (Go ahead! Sing out loud while you are driving or showering!)
The blessing is clear: when we set our minds on excellence and praise, “the God of peace will be with you” (v. 9). Peace comes when our minds are lifted above the chaos of the world and anchored in the glory of God. Thinking excellent and praiseworthy thoughts leads us to live excellent and praiseworthy lives—lives that testify to Christ’s redeeming grace and transforming power.
Apply: Where in your life are you tempted to settle for mediocrity rather than pursuing God’s excellence? What daily habit could help you focus more on gratitude and praise? Who do you know that models an excellent, Christ-centered life—and how can you learn from them?
Prayer: Lord, teach me to set my thoughts on what is excellent and praiseworthy. Free me from mediocrity and distraction, and help me pursue Your best in every part of my life. May my mind be filled with gratitude and my lips overflow with praise, so that my life honors You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.