Filling Good Things

In this blog post, we explore the significance of what we fill our minds. Our mind intake consists of either good or "guck" throughout the day. The choices we make determine what we internalize.

• Good refers to that which aligns with our Father in Heaven—truth, righteousness, and divine wisdom.

• Guck is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as a slimy, dirty, or otherwise unpleasant substance. Spiritually, it represents negative, unproductive, and destructive thoughts and content.

The result of what we take in influences our inner being shaping what we meditate on and eventually impacts our words, actions, and overall outlook. Over time, this content spreads to others, becoming part of our cultural and communal landscape. The outcome manifests as either peace, calm, and joy, or restlessness, unease, and anxiety reflected in our body language and personal aura.

The Scriptural Model

Paul provides a blueprint for a Kingdom mindset in Philippians 4:8 (Good News Bible):

"Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable."

This model encourages Kingdom Citizens to focus on my things. We are focusing only on good things in this chapter. Dwelling on "guck" diverts us from the goodness of God, wasting time and necessitating a return to foundational truths.

God as the Source of All Good

Jesus affirmed this truth when He responded to the rich man in Mark 10:18 (Good News Bible):

"Why do you call me good? Jesus asked him. No one is good except God alone."

Since God is the only source of goodness, Kingdom Citizens should reflect His character and nature. Scripture highlights this in Psalm 145:7-9 A Song Of Praise (Good News Bible):

"They will tell all about your goodness and sing about your kindness. The Lord is loving and merciful, slow to become angry, and full of constant love. He is good to everyone and has compassion on all he made."

The Role of Scripture

God’s Word is essential for teaching, correction, and equipping us for righteous living. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Good News Bible):

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living."

By filling our minds with Scripture, we develop God’s character and learn obedience to His commands. This includes living out the two greatest commandments that Jesus answered to the Pharisees found in Matthew 22:37-39 (Good News Bible):

1. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.”

2. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

When we embody these commands, we reflect God’s love and goodness to everyone—even those who are different from us.

Living with Intentionality

Our words and actions have consequences. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the tongue has the power to preserve or destroy life. Therefore, we must be intentional in remaining in God’s presence, allowing His goodness to produce fruit within us.

Even when we make mistakes, God’s correction is good for us. His loving guidance helps us become more like Him.

Daily Practices for a Good Mindset

To keep our minds filled on good things and maintain peace, we can adopt the following daily practices:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit for Guidance: During prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s goodness and truth.

2. Meditate on God’s Goodness: Reflect on Matthew 10:18, acknowledging that God is the only source of goodness.

3. Keep God’s Commands: Obey the two greatest commandments to love God and love others.

4. Study Scripture Daily: Allow God’s Word to teach, correct, and guide you.

5. Apply What You Learn: Knowledge without action is incomplete. Live out the truths you learn from Scripture.

Conclusion

By filling our minds with good things rooted in God’s Word and character, we align ourselves with His peace and purpose. This intentional focus not only transforms our lives but also allows us to be vessels of encouragement and goodness to others.