OPINION: HARRY MARTINEZ: The Squad of Eight, Pt. 1

May 1—To set your mind at ease, this article is not dealing with political figures. Rather, the Scriptures describe eight traits that should characterize the thinking of every Christian. These will be addressed in two articles, this week and next.

The Apostle Paul instructed those who had placed their faith in Christ to focus on who they were in Christ.

Because their names are written in the book of life, Christians were to develop a new way of thinking. Complaining was to be replaced with rejoicing and giving thanks in and for all things. "Do not be anxious [stop worrying] about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7 NIV).

Then Paul introduced eight qualities that are to mark the lives of those who have received Christ as their Savior. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil 4:8-9 NIV).

First, the Christian is to think on that which is true. The only source of absolute truth is the Word of God. The believer must make as one's priority that of learning the Word, its doctrines, promises and principles in order to effectively live the Christ-centered life. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom 12:1-2 NIV).

A second trait in the squad is the aspect of being noble, or honorable, thus demonstrating in one's life that which reflects Jesus Christ. The honorable actions of such an individual gain the respect of others, and are therefore effective in representing God. Isaiah wrote ... "The scoundrel's methods are wicked, he makes up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands" (Isa 32:7-8 NIV).

A third trait that guards the thinking and life of the believer is that of righteousness.

Paul is emphasizing that which motivates our actions to demonstrate integrity and be right before God and men. That motivation comes from having a love for God and is then parlayed into unconditional love toward others. The Apostle John tersely wrote ... "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19 NIV). To love God, requires that we know God first through faith in Christ as Savior and then consistently applying oneself to learning the Scriptures.

The fourth quality that guards the soul is thinking on whatever is pure. That speaks of the Christian's set apartness, both positionally, a child of God through faith in Christ, and experientially as the Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and transforms our thinking. In writing to the churches in Ephesus, Paul said ... "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking," but rather .... "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body" (Eph 4:17, 22-25 NIV).

Harry Martinez, a resident of Albany, is a retired minister who served a nondenominational congregation in Florida. His weekly column appears in several South Georgia newspapers.