Think on These Things

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

This has been a week of darkness and pain as a result of a deranged and sick person. Those close to the shooting are still reeling from its impact and the rest of the nation has been saturated with all the pictures, videos, and reports of this awful crime. I, for one, am exhausted with the coverage – not that I don’t have sympathy for those whose lives have been turned upside down. We have seen how a sick mind can lead many down dangerous paths. Copycat crimes have already been reported all over the country. Schools are in lockdown. However, I did see a beam of light last night when the past Secretary of Education, William Bennett, encouraged us to focus on the good that happened that day rather than the bad. He told stories of heroes that made a difference for many at Virginia Tech when they willingly sacrificed their lives for the sake of others. Bennett encouraged us to follow the recommendation of the apostle Paul and “think on good things.” Jesus often told his followers to renew their minds. In our natural state without God, the mind is wicked and sinful. It is only when the Spirit of God comes into our life and controls our minds that we have life and peace. (Romans 8:5-8). We have seen the deadly results of an evil mind. I encourage you to turn your thoughts today to what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about these things and see what a difference for good that it makes! (Philippians 4:8)