Peace and Right Thinking
By: Chaplain David Losey (1939-2025)
In remembrance of Chaplain David Losey, Chaplain David presented this devotional title Peace and Right Thinking in April 2023.
In God’s word Peace and Right Thinking are defined in a passage from the letter to the Philippians:
Philippians 4:6-9 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
In verse 6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This establishes inner peace through prayer, which is needed to develop the proper thinking characteristics listed in verse 8.
In verse 8, these additional characteristics that are defined in proper thinking as whatever is “truth, noble, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, any virtue, praiseworthy.” We are called to right thinking, as defined by God’s word, and not defined by secular trends.
In the Bible are these additional affirmations:
Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”
James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”
I Timothy 6: 20-21 “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen”
As Believers, we need to seek the truth, as defined by God’s word. We need to avoid political or scientific distractions from our faith. Secular “truths” may be absurd or impossible when they are measured against the word of God itself. We need to implement what the word of God says.
(Additional references: Acts 6:1-3; Genesis 6:9, 7:1; II Samuel 23:2-4; Psalm 24:3-5; Proverbs 3:5, 15:30; Matthew 5:8; James 3:7; Romans 10:15; Isaiah 57:7; Acts 6:3-4; Philippians 4:8)
Prayer:
Lord above, we give you all praise and honor. We praise you for the grace and mercy that you bestow. We call upon you to grant “peace” of mind and to grant us “correct” biblical thinking. Give us the courage and strength to be doers, not just talkers. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.