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.
Ernest Holmes the founder of the Church of Religious Science teaches a heresy called Science of Mind. He says that your mind can create reality, and by thinking positively, you can do anything or achieve any success you want. Variations of this errant teaching have been bent to fit the cloak of Christianity. It is often called the “Name it and Claim it” doctrine. These misinterpretations of Philippians 4:8 appeal to the lust of the flesh and the promotion of self. Christ becomes the servant of the claimant rather that the Lord. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to become like Christ. The attempt to manipulate or manage God is a satanic perversion of His Word.
Mark Twain once said, “What a wee little part of a person\’s life are his acts and his words! His real life is lead in his head, and is known to none but himself. All day long, and every day, the mill of his brain is grinding, and his thoughts, (which are but the mute articulation of his feelings,) not those other things are his history.“ https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/336052-what-a-wee-little-part-of-a-person-s-life-are
In this statement, Mark Twain is essentially describing what Jesus taught when he said, “ . . . for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6:45c) The motivation for your thoughts will soon be revealed in your attitudes, ambitions, and actions.
By Dr. Gayle Woods