That the game is either won or lost in the mind seems clear. That it is just as much about the heart as it is about how hard you play is evident. Skill only takes you so far . . . it’s what’s going on in the inside that provides the “secret sauce” . . . that creates the “X” factor. True too, I think, concerning the things of God. Knowledge only gets you so far . . . checking the boxes concerning doing the right stuff is but a good start. But it takes something deeper, something internal, to make the difference between just going through the motions and going the distance. A couple of my readings this morning combined to get me thinking on these lines . . .

First was reading about the reform under King Josiah in 2Kings 22 and 23. Made king of Judah at age 8, his heart was stirred to do “what was right in the eyes of the Lord” . . . unlike his father and grandfather before him. When he was 18 he decided that the temple was in need of repair and so ordered that a cleaning and repair crew be sent in. In the course of the cleanup, a copy of the Book of the Law was discovered. And when king Josiah was brought the law, and read the law, he came to realize just how far Judah had fallen from God’s commands. It says that his heart was “penitent” and that he humbled himself before the Lord (22:19). As a result, he enacted reform in Judah the likes of which had not been seen since King David.

He destroyed everything concerned with the worship of other gods. He tore down idols and places of worship that had been established as far back as the days of Solomon. He enacted reform throughout the land, even restoring the observance of the Passover feast. Concerning Josiah it is recorded that, “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him” (22:25).

But here’s what stopped me in my tracks. After a 31 years on the throne, Josiah is murdered by an enemy and succeeded by his 23 year old son, Jehoahaz. And of Jehoahaz it’s written, “He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done” (23:32). Though Jehoahaz had a “front row seat” to the passion with which his father sought after the Lord . . . though he had seen modeled a zeal for obeying the word of the Lord . . . it never took. Josiah could destroy all the external props and instruments of idol worship, but unless it impacted the heart of his son . . . unless there was a change of mind in the people . . . it really made very little difference. No “secret sauce” in the cleanup . . . no “X” factor at play in the reform. And that brings me to the other reading this morning that provided some divine perspective on the lack of lasting impact of Josiah’s efforts on God’s behalf . . .

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

Just has Josiah had tried to do, Paul also was seeking to encourage revival amongst a group of God’s people. Just as Paul had counted all things loss for the sake of Christ . . . just as he had determined to pursue the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” . . . just as he was determined to press on in order to know Christ and the power of His resurrection . . . he wanted the Philippians to do likewise . . . “Brothers, join in imitating me” (3:17). And then he says, “Finally” . . . . finally . . . before I end this letter, get this . . . here’s the secret sauce . . . here’s the “X” factor . . . “think about these things.” Get your mind in the game . . . get your heart aligned with the beat of heaven . . . think! . . . meditate! . . . muse on! . . . internalize! . . . the things of Christ.

Jesus is true — He is the way, the truth, and the life. The King of Kings is worthy of all honor. The obedient Son of God is righteous and just The Lamb of God is spotless and pure. The soon returning Bridegroom is altogether lovely. The works and teaching of the Son of Man are of good report and commendable. The Second Person of the Trinity embodies the excellence of the fullness of God. All that Jesus is and all that He has done is worthy of eternal praise. So think on these things!

That’s what makes the difference . . . that’s where the game is won or lost . . . that’s where the mind, soul, and spirit are engaged in support of the efforts of the body. Oh, that I might know more of the “secret sauce” . . . that I might “bring it” with more of the “X” factor . . . that I might think on these things! For His glory . . . amen!