True and Lovely Meditation

Philippians 4:8-9    
8 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. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

What are we to think of and to dwell on at all times?  To begin, think of what is true.  If something cannot be verified as factual, it is a guess at best and slander or self deceptive at the worst.  Truth ultimately stems from what God says in His word.  Things which are worth considering in light of eternity and God’s holiness and are pure in God’s eyes are mentioned next.  Is it god-pleasing?  Are the things we think of pleasant to God and our created purpose?  Are they looked upon by God and man as good by His standards?  Are these full of good virtue and worthy of our adulation in God’s eyes?  These are what we must fix our heart and mind upon.  We see these things in godly examples and can further learn from those setting the example by imitating Christ, with the promise that God is with us and His peace on us as we do so.  Meditate on these things of God’s word by the Spirit, not those of the old man we are putting to death inside.