FRANKLIN LIVING MAY-JUNE 2023

Would those who know you best say you walk in joy? 

Joy can be defined as an outward sign of inward faith in God’s promises. This powerful definition comes from author Tom Newberry in his 2007 book, “The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life.” Thinking about this definition, would you characterize your predominate way of thinking about life as joyful?

Philippians 4:8 is the central Bible verse to Newberry’s book because it is God telling Christians how to think. It is one of the big concluding thoughts to a brief letter in which one of the overall themes is that true joy comes from Christ alone. You probably already know the verse: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

In his book, Newberry shares several key ideas. 

First, we must remember God designed us to walk in joy. Philippians 4:4 states, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” When our joy goes missing, we fall into the painful trap of attempting to function contrary to the way God designed us!

Second, our thinking affects our spiritual walk. Unhealthy thinking results in unhealthy relationships with both God and people. People who are following Jesus must allow their thinking to be directed by Philippians 4:8.

Third, God designed us with the ability to control our thinking. Newberry states in the introduction to his book, “I wrote this book to help you improve the one thing in life over which you have complete control: Your thinking.” Most of us would agree it’s both unhealthy and sinful to be out of control with our actions; why are we not equally alarmed during those times when we are out of control in our thinking? David recorded a worthy goal in Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.”

Thinking about the apostle Paul can help us. Newberry writes, “If anyone was ever justified in being negative and overwhelmed by all that life was dishing out, certainly Paul was. Unfairly accused, confined in prison, and constantly facing peril or potential death, he chose to emphasize possibilities instead of problems.” In other words, Paul displayed a profound ability to control his thinking.

What about us? Are you walking in joy today?

Philip Goad has been serving as the minister at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville since March 2020.