Scale it
Recently I was again pondering the phrase, “What do you spend yourself on?” In other words, where does all your energy—go? For many of us, we tend to spend more time and energy in our thought life. We daydream, we ponder, we assume, fantasize, stress, worry AND we fear.
Paul of the Bible was a man of lists; he loved his lists. Lists explaining the godly elements of love, the fruit of the Spirit and the armor of God. Just to name a few. Paul again dips his pen and lists out elements to “think about.”
“Finally, brothers, 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.” (Phil. 4:8, NIV)
Because thought is such a vital aspect of our lives, Paul places a huge emphasis on what goes on in our head. Which affects our heart, perspectives, opinions; these shaping our behavior—our obedience. We are to exercise our mind in such a manner that leads to Godly behavior and responses.
What a challenge!
The word Paul uses, “think” is an accounting term. Meaning to reckon, reason, impute. In accounting, imputation is the process of assigning a value.
The imagery to help paint the picture is like the old gold mining scales. The miners would come in with their lil bag of gold. The banker would place the gold on one side of the scale and a “standard” on the other. The standard was a prescribed authorized weight of value. If the gold was balanced it was deemed worthy of the amount. If it was under, it was found lacking and the payout extremely disappointing.
When we consider our mindset or pattern of thinking, or even flash thoughts, are we calculating and scaling it? Does it match GOD’s standard of what is true, noble, right, pure etc. If not—it is lacking value and not found worthy. Quickly take it off the scale and replace it with something of value. God’s word is the prescribed authorized weight of value. Seek to balance with it.
Many lean into “positive thinking” yet that alone can be left to a random and haphazard (weighted) standard. The standard that often flows from feelings and filters through what makes us happy, rather than what honors and glorifies God. Nowhere in the word of God does it say we are to follow our heart, think positive thoughts (not to mention, but I will) send positive vibes. These fall to the floor, deemed fool’s gold* and do not even make it into the bankers’ office.
May we not settle for undervalued thinking, and say, “Oh, it’s good enough.” Don’t cheat yourself of the value of God’s best! If so, the payout is extremely disappointing.
Scale it.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
*Fool’s gold: All sparkly and resembles genuine gold, but at closer inspection, it is of a different material. It is brassy and dull and does not contain any real value.
Inspired Fountain 