Noble

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Philippians 4:8

I'd like to continue looking at the things the Apostle Paul tells us to focus our thoughts on.  Today, I'd like to look at the word "noble."  I don't know about you, but "noble" is not really a word I use very often.  The first association that comes to my mind is royalty.  And, unless I'm watching a Jane Austen-inspired film, there aren't many royals around in my everyday life.  

The context of the verse, however, is not really pointing toward that particular meaning of the word "noble."  Instead, the verse is instructing us to think about things that are of high morals,  principles and ideals.  Paul reminds us that our minds should be inspired by what's righteous, virtuous, good, honorable and honest so we can escape the inner webs that it could knit for ourselves when not carefully directed.

Much of our character is informed by our thought-life.  Therefore, having a healthy control over the thoughts we entertain will help us take steps towards becoming the person God intended us to be.  Filling our mind with what is "noble" can help us move closer to this goal...but...how do we stay focused on what's noble, when we are surrounded by the opposite?

There's the trick: don't surround yourself with ignoble things!

Easier said than done?  Of course...just like anything else that is worth our while.

The only way to accomplish the goal of saturating our thoughts with noble things is to examine ourselves and pray that The Lord guides us in this examination and gives us the strength to renounce to those things that don't meet the standard of nobility in our lives.  The problem is: what if what we are talking about renouncing involves loved ones?

sigh...

Unfortunately, the toxicity that surrounds our lives often is channel to our souls, hearts and minds through the presence or absence of those who are supposed to love us most.  We become paralyzed...unable to move on...trapped in a pit of darkness and loneliness without a chance for escape because we feel we can't remove ourselves from the influence of the toxic person.

What are we supposed to do?

I don't know...

But, I do know God loves us and He does not want us to be enslaved.

God is Sovereign and He can do all things.  He can solve our situations by merely saying the Word. (Matthew 8:8)  In many cases, however, He doesn't change the situation, but He changes us.  And often, such change comes about through the help of a Holy Spirit-inspired professional that can guide us in our journey to allowing God to heal us as we surrender to Him the person who inflicts all the damage of ignoble thoughts into our minds and lives.

Again...not easy, but, by the power of the Most High, nothing is impossible!  And this is the encouraging message!  We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength! (Philippians 4:13)

May the Holy Spirit speak the truth into our ears constantly so we are always reminded of His presence and His might!  Amen!