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.Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
King David of Israel wrote, Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (Psalm 139:23 ESV) In Psalm 26:2, David made a similar request, that God would test his heart and mind. David seemed to be very concerned about the thoughts (cares) that passed through his mind and not merely his outward conduct. He was concerned that his thoughts and imaginations were set on true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praise worthy things. David was seeking to know “what secures my affections and controls my will”. (Barnes)
Dennis E. Johnson wrote that the term “just” denotes “that which conforms to God’s perfect norm of equity” Paul uses a Greek word for “just” that means, equitable, innocent, holy and right. God repeatedly commanded Israel to not pervert justice. He exhorted them to show justice toward the poor, the orphan, widow and sojourner (Exodus 23:6; Deuteronomy 16:19, 24:17). James the brother of Jesus exhorted the church not to be partial to the rich above the poor. In showing partiality he said, have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:4 ESV)
Righteous people have just thoughts (Proverbs 12:5). And those who seek the Lord understand it completely (Proverbs 28:5). That is, righteous people will assess people and circumstances and come to a proper verdict, a true decision or judgment in their thinking. There should be no prejudice, partiality or preferring one person above another in the thought life of a Christian. And a Christian’s thought life should become practiced behavior.
Commenting on Philippians 4:8, R.C. Sproul wrote, “Thinking on these things is not an end in itself but preparation for purposeful action.” In one sense the depth of our Christianity is measured by the justice we show to others The second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves ((Matthew 22:39) and Jesus commanded us to treat others the way we desire to be treated (Matthew 7:12). The Christian life should be one that treats people fairly, showing no partiality. Christians should take a stance against prejudices and champion on behalf of the silenced and oppressed (Proverbs 22:22-23).
Just living begins with a correct view of the character of God. The scriptures provide us with the commentary. God loves justice (Isaiah 61:8). He is just in all his ways (Deuteronomy 32:4). The foundation of his throne (his rule) is righteousness and justice and is established for justice (Psalm 9:7). Solomon tells us that understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God will help us to understand righteousness and justice and equity (Proverbs 2:1-15). Our just behavior glorifies the character of God.
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his day because although they presented their offerings to God, they neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). God is more interested in his people showing justice than the sacrifices they bring to him (Proverbs 21:3). Micah the prophet spoke to this issue: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 ESV)
Have you asked God to test your thoughts? Do you love justice? Do you treat others justly?
Scriptures for meditation:
Zechariah 7:9