A Pilot Program For The Power Of Positive Thinking

 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

“Whatever is true.” "God our Savior wants all to come to the knowledge of truth" (1 Tm 2:4); that is why he revealed it. Only those things found explicitly or implicitly in divine revelation can be regarded as reliably true. Though we are usually unaware of it, this vast array of truths seeps into us as we immerse ourselves in God's Word. When we breathe the spirit of the prophets, pray the lyrics of the psalmist, and ponder the gospel truths with Paul, the Bible becomes a part of us; it inevitably finds expression in our many daily decisions and behavior. Prayerful thinking about sublime truths will result in high-minded habits.

“Whatever is noble." Noble thoughts transcend pettiness—and where pettiness is transcended, there is no conflict. “What causes fights and quarrels?” asks James. Don’t they come from desires that battle within you?" (Jas 4:1). Noble thoughts are the parents of peace. This insight, if lived out, would empty our divorce courts.

“Whatever is right.” To do only what is right, we must be continually conscious of what is right. God inspired Abraham "to keep the way of the Lord, by doing what is right and just" (Gn 18:19). Having an eschatalogical mind-set can help us here. By this I mean being aware Of the nearness of salvation. If we can think about the present time as it relates to the end times, this thought will remind us to "put aside the deeds of darkness" and behave decently" (Rom 13:12-13). Just thinking of the "thief-in-the-night" surprise of the second coming of Christ, Paul implies, is enough to keep us on the right track.

”Whatever is pure.” Peter“Whatever is lovely” wrote his two epistles “to stimulate you to wholesome [pure] thinking” (2 Pt 3:1). James remarked that “wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure" (Jas 3:17). Jesus stressed the importance of purity by attaching a promise for the pure of heart in the Beatitudes: "they will see God" (Mt 5:8). In his own way, the psalmist grasped this truth too: "Who may stand in his [God's] holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart" (Ps 24:3-4; see also 73:1).

Biblical writers refer to the heart as the center of the human spirit. From it spring emotions, thoughts, motivations, and, ultimately, action. is why Solomon considered mental self-discipline so important: it keeps the heart pure and uncontaminated a life-giving water well. "Above all else, guard your heart," he urged, "for it is the wellspring of life" (Prv 4:23).

“Whatever is lovely” "Lovely," as used in Scripture, means lovable, charming, winsome, or pleasant. "He is altogether lovely," exults the beloved in the Song of Songs (Sg 5:16). Obviously, she is focused on her lover's fascinating qualities! Though this verse refers to a nuptial type of relationship, its focus on the positive is something from which all our relationships can benefit. True Christian love—charity—is much easier to practice when we learn to see other qualities and strengths more than their weak points and failings, to habitually think positive and "lovely" about people rather than negative ones.

And have you ever noticed that those who are the most loving are themselves the most lovable? There is a cyclic dynamic at work here, to be sure. Nothing makes you more "lovely" than thinking "lovely" thoughts of others.

“Whatever is admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy..” Paul presents a basic guideline on this subject: "If you owe respect, pay respect; if honor, then honor" (Rom 13:7). The Bible offers many examples of admirable and praiseworthy persons and encourages us to give honor where honor is due. Ruth is described as a "woman of noble character" (Ru 3:11) and is praised for her kindness. The devout Jew Ananias (see Acts 22:12) and also Cornelius, the Gentile centurion, were "respected by all the Jewish people" (Acts 10:22). Paul urges respect and admiration for church leaders, "holding them in the highest regard in love" (1 Thes 5:12-13). Titus and his companion apparently received this high regard from the local churches (see 2 Corinthians 8:17-18).

Not just in the Bible but all around us are people who should stir our praise and admiration. For example, this verse from Proverbs might call to mind some of the women we have encountered in our lives: "A woman who fears the lord is to be praised... Let her works bring her praise" (Prv 31.:31). Since women as a group have tended to be under-esteemed, this might be a good place to start focusing the spotlight of praise. Other possibilities are dedicated and faith-filled young people, lay missionaries, or volunteer workers in your parish. You may know of others who inspire you by their examples of faith-in-action.

Catholics also venerate the saints out of respect and admiration for their heroic virtue, such as the humble repentance of Mary Magdalen. Foremost among these is Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was praised as "blessed among all women" by both the archangel Gabriel and Elizabeth, her relative (Lk 1:28, 42). Mary foretold that all generations would call her blessed, in holy admiration her God-given graces (1:48); so too, generations of believers admired the ancients for their great faith (see Hebrews 11:2; 11:39).

Truly, "we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses," both in heaven and on earth (Heb 12.:1). By their excellence and praiseworthy holiness, all of them excite us to uplifting thoughts of admiration that ultimately focus admiringly on God himself. Cultivating such praise-thinking is itself praiseworthy

This excerpt is from the book The Art of Loving God by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications, 1995. This and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.