Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves.
Truth to Learn
Who we compare ourselves to affects what we think of ourselves.
Behind the Words
“Mind” is translated from the Greek word phroneō. According to Strong’s Dictionaries of Hebrew and Greek Words, his verb means “to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion.” We might call it “having a mindset.”
The word “associate” is from sunapagō. This word is made up of sun, meaning “together,” apo, meaning “away from,” and agō, meaning “to carry” or “to lead.” Thus, we see that this word literally means “to carry away together” or “to take off together.” In a negative sense it means “to be led astray,” but in a positive sense it means “to be personally involved.”
Meaning Explained
The message of the current verse centers on the Greek word phroneo. A literal translation of this verse might be, “minding the same thing toward one another, not minding high things, but taking off together with the lowly ones. Do not become conceited about yourselves.” As you can see, Paul is talking about how we think about ourselves and others within the body of Christ.
The crux of this verse is in the middle, “Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.” It is fascinating to observe people in the presence of a celebrity. Everyone wants to be near the celebrity and to be his or her friend. But nobody wants to be the friend of the poor homeless person. This is not how it should be within the church, according to Paul. We should have the same regard for everyone independent of their social or economic status. I think if we get to the nut of this one, we will see that these improper attitudes are based on selfishness (how others can make us feel or what can be done for us) instead of self-less-ness (what we can do for others).
Keep in mind that Paul is talking about relationships within the body of Christ. That’s why he uses such words as “one another” and “within yourselves.” His basis for these things goes back to verse 3 of this chapter:
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think of yourself with reasonable judgment, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
He closes the current verse with a command that basically says, “Don’t get hung-up on yourselves.” Becoming self-righteous is the result of comparing ourselves to others (usually with an inflated view of ourselves) instead of comparing ourselves with Christ. If becoming like Him is our objective, then none of us will get puffed-up because the One we are comparing ourselves to is so much greater than we are.
Application
If we are submitted to our Lord and committed to becoming like Him, then we will naturally treat others with the proper attitude knowing that we, like them, are merely sinners saved by grace.
And we get none of the glory because He gets all of the glory!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved
