Here’s the deal. Your thoughts matter more than you think. See what I did there?! Seriously, what fills your mind eventually changes your attitude, words, and decisions. Paul talks in Philippians 4:8 about paying attention to what we’re allowing into our minds; what we’re dwelling on. Let’s unpack this.

#1 Fill your mind with good. “[W]hatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just…” Just because you can think about something, that doesn’t make it true. Paul says we have to focus on what’s true, honorable, and just. True is about what’s reliable and honest. Honorable is about things that lift your mind above the junk of this world. Just is about what’s fair to all folks (what helps keep people away from arguments).

We’re called to compare our thoughts with God’s Word instead of our feelings. It’s about deciding to turn away from the dishonorable, evil, and vulgar things.

#2 Guard your mind. “[W]hatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable…” What you repeatedly take in will change what you think. Paul says focus on what’s pure, lovely, and commendable. Pure is about a moral life lived away from evil. Lovely is about thinking on things that are friendly. For example, lovely thoughts lead you to bring people together instead of starting trouble. Commendable is about being worthy of a good reputation.

If you spend your day scrolling through arguments, negative news, inappropriate content, and other distractions, then wonder why your patience runs thin, why you feel discouraged, or why you are disengaged at home, think about what you are letting into your mind. You don’t have to ignore the world. But you have to guard your heart.

#3 Think about what to think about. “[I]f there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Paul uses the Greek word logizomai, meaning to carefully consider, evaluate, or take something into account. He’s not telling us to just have positive thoughts. He’s calling us to intentionally dwell on what God loves.

Instead of taking in everything that’s wrong and negative, look for what’s good and godly. Thank God for your wife. Notice your child’s growth. Feed the things that matter, and your life will change for the better.

Work-Life Balance for Dads – How to Be Present: Being home and being present are not the same thing. Here are five practical changes that close the gap.

How to Build a Family Your Kids Want to Come Home To: Your kids will not be under your roof forever. Paul Akin joined Lawson and me to talk about what it takes to build the kind of relationship your kids still want when they are adults. Give it a listen.

“A man will finally be what his active thoughts make him.” —A. W. Tozer

Pay attention to what fills your mind this week. And fill your mind with God’s Word. If you want His thoughts, you can find them in His Word.

Next, lay off the negative news and social media. Go easy on the junk. When you mess up, catch it and change your thoughts to something more appropriate, like thanking your wife or encouraging your kid. You got this.

Ask yourself: What am I dwelling on, and how is it affecting the husband and father my family lives with?

What fills your mind eventually finds its way into your home.

Kent Evans
Executive Director at Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.