Think on These Things

There’s a famous line penned by screenwriter Colin Welland in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire when Olympian and missionary Eric Liddell declares, “I believe God made me for a purpose, for China, but He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” This single statement excellently encapsulates the man who not only went on to win gold in the 1924 Paris Olympic games but, more significantly, a crown of glory by laying down his life for his faith in Jesus. Best known for his refusal to compete in the qualifying 100 meters heat, as it required his participation on a Sunday, Eric’s life displayed unswerving devotion and commitment to the honor of Christ. When the Japanese occupied western China, Eric found himself imprisoned in a squalid concentration camp. By all accounts, he devoted his time to teaching the gospel and caring for the sick and elderly. He died in 1945 suffering from a brain tumor while still imprisoned, having poured out his life for Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

In today’s modern culture it seems increasingly few of us devote our time to the pursuit of things which bring God pleasure. Our minds and lives are full of the entertainment and distractions of the world we occupy. There is more to divert and tear us away from our devotion to the gospel than ever before (Matthew 13:22). This entanglement destroys our faith and we seldom witness the selfless sacrifice of our predecessors. All too often we spend our days thinking on worthless, self-centered occupations. Our hearts are devoted to causes, social media, podcasts, success, and anything but genuine service to Christ and those in our lives. We enjoy espousing our opinions, excuses and playing the blame game more than our calling as disciples (Proverbs 18:2). As a result, our lives are anxious and full of things which anchor our spirits to worthless endeavors. We’re nervous about the future, afraid of the past, and living only for momentary pleasure (Romans 8:6). We sincerely need to ask ourselves, what exactly are we thinking?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

The other day my youngest daughter asked me if she could read aloud to me from her book. Normally, she requests I read a story to her, but this day was different. She’s learning to read for herself—to sound out the words and discover new syllables and phrases. As a proud father, I enjoy watching her learn and she in turn beams with delight at my praise of her accomplishments. It’s a sincere thrill to watch her grow and learn new skills. Like any decent parent, I encourage and help her learn even more. She knows I take delight in watching her mature and this brings a smile to her face.  

The desire to experience our Lord’s pleasure toward us requires a change of heart. Most relish only in the blessings and gifts received from God but have little to no sensitivity to His thoughts (John 6:26). We need to transform our heads, to consider what is true, right, and holy. So often we feel lost and confused because we fail to seek out the pleasure and will of God for our lives. We seldom test our actions to discover if we are in the center of His purpose for us and therefore numb ourselves to the quiet movement of the Holy Spirit. The consequences and misery of sin drive us mad and warrant disdain from our Heavenly Father.

My friends, let us turn off the distractions and purify our hearts before the Lord. Let us discover what pleases Him, embrace it, and desire nothing more than to feel His pleasure (John 8:29). What joy we are missing when we ignore our God and refuse His delight in us. Make it your life’s ambition to learn what brings a smile to His face (Matthew 25:23). Pursuit of His pleasure will guide us toward the holiness of heaven and ignite an insatiable craving for His fellowship. No longer will we content ourselves with temporary pleasures but become addicts of His favor.