Those in the world dwell on things that are ungodly. They have an appetite for immoral, and disorderly things, and they “set their mind on earthly things” (cf. 3:19).

In contrast, Paul, by inspiration, commands that the Christian meditate on things that are of virtue, and worthy of praise. Our thoughts should not be filled with earthly things, “for our citizenship is in heaven” (cf. 3:20). Our mind should be set on things above (cf. Colossians 3:1-2).

Whatever things are:

• True/Noble – Jesus is the truth (cf. John 14:6). The word is truth (cf. John 17:17). We should only think about, and act according to the truth. These things are honorable in the sight of God.
• Just/Pure – God is righteous, and just. He has revealed to us what things are just. We should only do those things, and think about those things that are right for God to do and think about. He is pure, and we should purify ourselves (cf. 1 John 3:3).
• Lovely/Good report – Things that are attractive to God are beneficial to us. We should be involved with such things.

Our thoughts become our actions. For this reason we must think about those things that are pleasing to God. If we do so, He will be with us. Paul was an example of doing such. We should imitate him as he imitated Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1).