Focus on These Things

Whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is gracious,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

focus on these things.

Philippians 4:8

The ultimate freedom we have as human beings

is the power to select

what our minds dwell upon.

-- Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart (2002).

Study involves four steps. The first is repetition… Ingrained habits of thought can be formed by repetition alone, thus changing behavior… It is not even important that the person believe what he or she is repeating, only that it be repeated. The inner mind is thus trained and will eventually respond by modifying behavior to conform to the affirmation...

Concentration is the second step in study… The human mind constantly receives thousands of stimuli, each one of which is stored in its memory banks, while it focuses on only a few. This natural ability of the brain is enhanced when, with singleness of purpose, we center our attention upon a desired object of study. We live in a culture that does not value concentration. Distraction is the order of the day…

Comprehension is the third step in the discipline of study… This “eureka” experience of understanding catapults us to a new level of growth and freedom. It leads to insight and discernment. It provides the basis for a true perception of reality.

One further step is needed: refection. Although comprehension defines what we are studying, reflection defines the significance of what we are studying. To reflect, to ruminate, on the events of our time leads us to the inner reality of those events. Reflection brings us to see things from God’s perspective. In reflection, we come to understand not only our subject matter, but ourselves.

It soon becomes obvious that study demands humility… We must come as student, not teacher… Arrogance and a teachable spirit are mutually exclusive.

Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth