S.T.T. – Stop To Think
“…if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8b
In elementary school, we’re taught a fire safety technique called Stop, Drop, and Roll.
I’ll call it the S.D.R. It’s catchy, and it makes the thought for today more relatable.
Stop, drop and roll consists of three components.[1]
- Stop – The fire-affected person must stop, ceasing any movement which may fan the flames or hamper those attempting to put the fire out.
- Drop – The fire-affected person must drop to the ground, lying down if possible, covering their face with their hands to avoid facial injury.
- Roll – The fire-affected person must roll on the ground in an effort to extinguish the fire by depriving it of oxygen.
By following these three steps, one minimizes the injuries he or she might incur in the event their clothing catches fire, even to the point of saving their life.
There are times in our lives when we feel engulfed with the cares of this world. Thoughts of life, love ones, finances, health, and a Pandemic all flood our minds causing us to feel overwhelmed.
It is during these times we should follow the advice of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8.
“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.”
When we have life in Christ, peace is our portion. It is an inheritance given to us that stands true no matter what our current situation may be. Paul calls it the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
To hold on to this divine peace, we are to think or dwell on six thoughts:
- Whatever is true — not things fake or false.
- Whatever is honest — not things untruthful or deceitful.
- Whatever is just — not things unjust or wrong.
- Whatever is pure — not things tainted.
- Whatever is lovely — not things ugly or unpleasant.
- Whatever is of good report — not things of disgrace or disrespect.
Paul says if there is any moral excellence and if there’s anything praiseworthy, focus your attention there — allow these things to take up space in your mind.
When we think upon matters that are in opposition to the word of God, we cause unnecessary stress and anxiety to our mental state. We give movement to these thoughts and provide them with the oxygen they need to survive. And, as if that isn’t damaging enough, we put the kingdom of God — righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost — at risk. (Romans 14:17)
We have to test ourselves and ask the question, can we praise God for what we are thinking?
The next time you feel as if your thoughts have burst into flames, S.T.T. — Stop To Think.
Stop To Think of God and all of His goodness.
Stop To Think of God and the excellent work He is doing in you and through you.
Stop To Think of God and the manifestation of His glorious kingdom — Christ in you, the hope of glory.
S.T.T. is a simple technique that can save your mental health and life.
Join me next week for more Coffee on The Couch.
[1] Wikipedia contributors, “Stop, drop and roll,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stop,_drop_and_roll&oldid=1008363553 (accessed April 19, 2021).