“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4: 8 KJV).
“Think” is a verb. “Thought” is a noun. “Thought” is defined as “a subject of discourse such as a person, place or thing.” The “things” our text tells us to think about are nouns. They are the subjects of our thoughts. If we want to be mentally healthy, we will use these things listed in our text as food for thought. This manner of thinking will improve and maintain a healthy mentality.
Because of sin, we have health issues. We wrongfully put our physical health before our mental and spiritual health, whereas if our spiritual health was addressed first, we could see positive health in our mind and body.
A person’s being is out of sync and in poor health until there is a perfect balance between them and the law of God. Spiritual health is restored through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2: 1,2). Mental health can then be restored by forming the mind of Christ (Romans 12: 1, 2; Phil. 2: 5). Physical health can be, but is not always restored. For the regenerate, it will be restored at death and the Rapture. It is not until we have the Spirit of Christ and have formed the mind of Christ that we can live the life of Christ.
Mental health is having our mind, our thought process, in harmony with the law of God. It is making Christ Lord of our thought life (2 Cor. 10: 5).
If we can think better and have better mental health, we can, as a result, see our physical health improve. This is because our psyche affects our physique. “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones” (Proverbs 14: 30). There is a distinct connection between our psyche or spiritual man and our physical man. Any spiritual sickness of the psyche can affect the physical man. The health of the inner man has a greater influence on the health of the outer man than most realize. Some people actually worry themselves to death.
How is your mental health?
Roses for Mama
In loving memory of my Mother, Inez Virginia (Jones) Cagle (1931-2014).
Roses for Mama; they usher in her spring,
Then grow in the sunshine only her love can bring.
The love that she has t’ward the life in her womb,
Is felt and is warmth to each forming bloom.
◊
Roses for Mama, precious gifts the Lord brings;
Gifts she then consecrates wholly to the King.
And asks for the grace and wisdom she needs,
So that each child to the Savior one day she may lead.
◊
Every little rose brings its own special joy,
That both parents notice whether it’s a girl or a boy.
It may be their smile, or that gleam in their eye,
Or a very special gift, that shows their family ties.
◊
Every rose imitates dear Dad and Mom,
Who show a Christlikeness in the kingdom called home.
Where kind words are spoken and each one learns to share;
Where ev’ry rose is guarded with tender love and care.
◊
Roses for Mama; her wealth she won’t slight,
Though some women have riches that pass away in the night.
She’s thought quite peculiar and looked on as odd,
To stay home with her roses that will live as long as God.
◊
Roses for Mama are so tenderly grown,
In hopes that, through them, Christ’s beauty will be shown.
Mama prunes and props them, and points them above,
And oft’ to Mount Calvary, to show them Jesus’ great love.
◊
All gathered ‘round the Bible, Mom’s beautiful bouquet;
She bows her heart in thankfulness as to the Lord, she prays-
“That should the Lord transplant a rose to start another home,
He’d bless their life with roses that would also bless Grandma.”
◊
Roses for Mama; her best homespun lace.
Their character she weaves with threads of pure grace.
Her blessings are many, her compliments so few;
Until that day, she, God honors, with her children in view.
James H. Cagle ©️
