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Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Who we compare ourselves to affects what we think of ourselves.<\/p>\n \u201cMind<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek word phrone\u014d<\/em><\/span>. According to Strong\u2019s Dictionaries of Hebrew and Greek Words<\/em>, his verb means \u201cto exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion.\u201d We might call it \u201chaving a mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cassociate<\/span>\u201d is from sunapag\u014d<\/em><\/span>. This word is made up of sun<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201ctogether,\u201d apo<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201caway from,\u201d and ag\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto carry\u201d or \u201cto lead.\u201d Thus, we see that this word literally means \u201cto carry away together\u201d or \u201cto take off together.\u201d In a negative sense it means \u201cto be led astray,\u201d but in a positive sense it means \u201cto be personally involved.\u201d<\/p>\n The message of the current verse centers on the Greek word phroneo<\/em><\/span>. A literal translation of this verse might be, \u201cminding the same thing toward one another, not minding high things, but taking off together with the lowly ones. Do not become conceited about yourselves.<\/em>\u201d As you can see, Paul is talking about how we think about ourselves and others within the body of Christ.<\/p>\n The crux of this verse is in the middle, \u201cDo not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.<\/span>\u201d 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).<\/p>\n Keep in mind that Paul is talking about relationships within the body of Christ. That\u2019s why he uses such words as \u201cone another\u201d and \u201cwithin yourselves.\u201d His basis for these things goes back to verse 3 of this chapter:<\/p>\n For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think<\/span> of himself<\/em><\/span> <\/span>more highly than he ought to think, but to think right-mindedly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.<\/span><\/p>\n He closes the current verse with a command that basically says, \u201cDon\u2019t get hung-up on yourselves.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n And we get none of the glory because He gets all of the glory!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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