Philippians 4:8 “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.”
What does it mean for something to be unfiltered? I’m sure you’ve seen the term on photographs and certain items like olive oil, honey and apple juice. Sometimes people’s actions earn them the title of being unfiltered when they lack self-restraint or when they display a reckless, self-absorbed attitude.
Filters protect our computers and television screens from harmful content. Filtered water promises to make what we drink healthier. My coffee would be full of grounds without a coffee filter. But what about our minds? How often do we allow our minds to wander—unfiltered? I at times have to remind myself about the importance of filtering what I think about. Especially when my thoughts whirl around like an endless swirl of negativity.
We actually can determine what feeds our thought life. Paul exhorted the Philippians to choose what things they thought about. He told them to dwell on the true, noble, right, pure and lovely, filtering out thoughts that were deceptive, ignoble, impure or ugly. Paul knew that to a large extent people are what they think, and the more they directed their thoughts to the admirable the more admirable they would become.
But for the process to be complete we need to be aware of what not to filter.
When my heart is hardening toward someone who has hurt me, I don’t want to filter out God’s love. When I face what appears to be an impossible obstacle, I don’t want my logic to filter out God’s supernatural power. I don’t want pride to filter out truth that might make me look bad and consequently keep me from repenting. I don’t want self-centeredness to filter out an awareness of those with whom I share this planet.
So, maybe like me, it’s time to consider your filters. Are you filtering out those thoughts which have no other purpose than to drag you down? Are you free to let the Holy Spirit lead you into an unfiltered life of love, power and peace of mind?
I hope so, because that, friend, is my unfiltered desire for you.