Category Archives: Mind

Two toddlers sitting on a blanket playing with stacking rings and blocks
Bible, Conceit, Harmony, Humility, Mind, Romans, Scripture, Wisdom

GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS

ROMANS 12:16

“Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”

Learning how to get along with others is a skill we try to develop in our children. We teach them to share their toys and to play well with other children. We teach them to not fight and argue. And more importantly, we try to teach them that we need to treat others how we want to be treated ourselves. As my wife and I care for our two youngest grandchildren, we are teaching them to love each other and be kind to each other. Too many adults out there were never taught this by their parents.

Paul stresses these skills in today’s verse. He mentions four things in verse 16 that are essential for us as followers of Christ in order to preserve the unity in the body of Christ. I wonder if he was addressing certain individuals in these statements. He doesn’t mention any names, but he may have been told of certain conflicts among the Roman believers. But these traits he is teaching also apply to how to treat anyone, believers or not.

APPLICATION

Being “of the same mind toward one another” is an interesting statement. The Greek literally reads, “the same thing toward one another minding.” HELPS Word-studies says the Greek word phronéō translated as “minding” has to do with a mindset that is shown in outward behavior. In other words, how we think about others will be shown in how we act towards them. Paul urges us to have the same mindset, to get along. That’s a toddler skill, remember.

This skill is reflected in the following three things Paul talks about. He says for us to “not be haughty in mind.” That means to not be conceited or too high minded toward others. As Christians we are not to put ourselves above others. We need to have the same attitude as Christ (see Philippians 2:5-8). That will definitely preserve the unity of the body.

Then Paul says to “associate with the lowly.” The word “associate” is synapĂĄgō and is only used two other times (Galatians 2:13 and 2 Peter 3:17) where it is used in a negative way. The Topical Lexicon says the use of the word in today’s verse means “Believers are urged to let themselves be ‘carried along with’ the humble, rather than drifting toward social pride.”

Finally, Paul tells us to “not be wise in your own estimation.” I am reminded of Proverbs 18:1-2 which reads, “1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but in revealing his own mind.” Don’t be a fool. Be wise how you treat others. Let’s all relearn those toddler skills we instill in our children and grandchildren. The world and the body of Christ would be much better. Amen?

Give me a humble heart and allow me to see others as more important than myself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Man kneeling and praying inside a stone medieval church with a cross and lit candles
Arrogance, Bible, Conceit, Humility, Mind, Romans, Scripture

HOW TO THINK OF YOURSELF

ROMANS 12:3

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

I have never been guilty of thinking too highly of myself. Don’t get me wrong. I have been confident enough, but I don’t think you could call me overconfident. I know there are always others out there more talented and more articulate than I am. I am thankful for the gifts God has given me and want to use them to honor Him, not myself. That is exactly what Paul is talking about in verse 3 of Romans 12.

Paul compares two different ways of thinking of ourselves in this verse. We can think “more highly” of ourselves, or we can have “sound judgment.” The Christian Standard Bible says of that second one, to “think sensibly.” Are you high-minded or sensibly minded? Paul seems to be putting himself in this question as well, as an example of using sounding judgment rather than thinking highly of himself. He knew all he was came through the grace that have been given him.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated as “think more highly” is huperphroneó, which only occurs only here. It could also be translated as being arrogant or conceited. Some people can get that way when God gives them opportunities to serve Him. They start listening to all the accolades from others. Oh brother, that was a fine sermon. Our church is so blessed to have you as Pastor. Compliments are nice, but when we start believing them about ourselves, we risk the danger of falling into high-mindedness.

In contrast, “sound judgment” means to be sensible and sober minded. It is the Greek word sóphroneó. Now, this is a neat word. HELPS Word-studies says, “[The whole word-family (root, sōphro-) comes from two words: sōos (‘safe’) and phrēn (‘what regulates life,’ the root of the English term, ‘diaphram’). Example: An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm, which even controls our ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. This regulates (‘brings safety’) to the body, keeping it properly controlled.]” What a great picture for us. We have to moderate our thinking about ourselves.

And the last phrase of today’s verse really drives the point home. Paul writes, “as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Everything we have is a gift from God. He measures it out to us. Therefore, we can’t gloat about anything. God gave it. So, the next time you start to get a little high-minded, remember that all you are is because of Him.

I am thankful, Lord, for all You have given me. I will give You praise for it all.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Man kneeling in cathedral with glowing open book and radiant mystical symbols
Bible, Gossip, Isaiah, Knowledge, Mind, Romans, Scripture, Wisdom

THE MIND OF THE LORD

ROMANS 11:34

“For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?”

President Trump has a lot of people around him who advise him on world events and matters of security for the nation. There is no way any President can have the knowledge to make all the decisions necessary to rule the nation effectively. He depends on his cabinet members and others to give him wise counsel. Whether he accepts their counsel or not is another matter. But that is what they are there for.

Unlike the President, the Lord does not need counselors to advise Him on how to rule. In today’s verse, Paul refers to Isaiah 40:13 which reads, “Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?” You may know people who think they could do that. Wrong! No man is able to do such. Thinking you can is pure foolishness. Paul, of course, is referring to all he has just shared about God’s plan for salvation involving the Jewish nation rejection of Jesus which led to the gospel being shared with the Gentiles.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of the last few chapters of Job where God answered Job and his friends. In Job 38:1-3 we see this. “1 Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind and said, 2 ‘Who is this who darkens the divine plan by words without knowledge? 3 Now tighten the belt on your waist like a man, and I shall ask you, and you inform Me!’” I really like that last verse. “Tighten the belt on your waist like a man.” In other words, buckle up big boy.

We can trust God’s wisdom and knowledge, judgment and ways, as we saw in yesterday’s verse. If you ever find yourself doubting God, just know that is the deceiver whispering in your ear. I think of Proverbs 18:8. “The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.” The devil doesn’t have to get you stop believing in God. He just plants a seed of doubt to get you to stop trusting.

Don’t you love James 3:17? It speaks of God’s wisdom which he grants to us. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.” I bet President Trump would like more of that kind of wisdom from his advisors. I pray we all seek that kind of wisdom.

You are the only wise God and I praise You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Harmony, Mind, Scripture, Unity, Witness

LIVE IN HARMONY

PHILIPPIANS 4:2

“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.”

The current riots in Los Angeles reminds me of the 1992 riots that took place after police officers accused of assaulting a man named Rodney King were acquitted of the charges. The city erupted in chaos and violence and wanted vengeance on those officers. Disharmony has gone on for a long time. It’s no wonder we see this mentioned in today’s verse.

Two women, Euodia and Syntyche, were obviously not getting along well. Can you imagine how they might have felt when they heard their names read aloud in church when this letter was shared? Paul must have known them well or he would not have called them out for their behavior. He wasn’t trying to humiliate them. He only wanted them to live in such a manner that others in the community would see Christ in them.

APPLICATION

So, what exactly did Paul mean when he said, “to live in harmony in the Lord”? Let’s look at what Albert Barnes said about these two ladies. “It has been commonly supposed that they were deaconesses, who preached the gospel to those of their own sex; but there is no certain evidence of this. All that is known is, that there was some disagreement between them, and the apostle entreats them to be reconciled to each other… Whether the difference related to doctrine, or to something else, we cannot determine from this phrase. The language is such as would properly relate to any difference.”

The key to this reconciliation is in the last three words – “in the Lord.” We can reconcile with people all day long, but unless it is in view of the Lord’s teachings, it will not last. Undoubtedly, these were two professing followers of Christ. Because of that fact, Paul tells them to reconcile. Actually, the Greek reads “be of the same mind.” Work things out. Get your stuff together.

Who are you at odds with today? We can all probably name one or two people with whom we have fallen out for one reason or the other. Paul’s instructions to these ladies applies to us as well. I am not saying to try to make it work with someone who is toxic and hurtful to you. But, if at all possible, be at peace with everyone, especially other believers.

Lord, it’s hard sometimes to be of the same mind with others. Give me Your view of them so I can show grace where needed.

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Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Service

LIKE-MINDED

PHILIPPIANS 2:20

“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”

Years ago, when our children were small, my wife and I asked some family members to be their custodian if something happened to us. They were chosen mainly because of their walk with the Lord. We knew they would bring up our children in the same manner we were trying to. We knew they would always have their best interest at heart and would do everything they could to give them a great childhood.

Paul makes a tremendous statement in today’s verse about Timothy. He had just told them in the previous verse that he was sending Timothy to them. Now, he describes Timothy as the only one “who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” What a compliment for his disciple. We should all be striving to be that kind of trustworthy follower of Christ. Don’t you think?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used for “kindred spirit” is only used right here in today’s verse. It is isopsuchos, which comes “from Ă­sos, ‘equivalent, equal’ and psyxē, ‘soul’ – properly, of equal-soul; having similar identity (values) because like-minded, i.e. equally (similarly) motivated.” (HELPS Word Studies). Like minded! I like that. Are you like-minded with other believers? Are you like-minded with Christ? We are told to have the mind of Christ in 1 Corinthians 2:16. “For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Paul knew Timothy was like-minded with him regarding the Philippians because they were both like-minded with Christ. So, what does that mean? It means we have the views, feelings and temper of Christ, according to Barnes. We are influenced not according to the world but by the Spirit. He will always point us toward the welfare of others.

Today, ask yourself if that describes you. Do you have others’ best interest at heart? When we live our lives with the mind of Christ, we will always seek to serve Him by serving others. That was Timothy’s heart. That was Paul’s heart. It should be ours, as well.

Father, give me the mind of Christ. Let me live my life in a like-minded manner toward others.

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Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture

THE MIND OF CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 2:5

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

We learn a lot by watching others, don’t we? We have all seen the little boys or girls following their dads around with their little toy lawnmowers as he mows the lawn. They are modeling his behavior. Wouldn’t it be great if we could model the right attitude for our children or grandchildren? If we want to raise godly children, we must live godly. We must model the behaviors and attitudes we want them to live by.

In Philippians 2:5-8, we have a passage which many people have memorized and tried to live by. Ellicott calls this “The Voluntary Humiliation of the Lord.” MacLaren titles it “The Descent of the Word.” Over the next few days, we will dissect this passage and see what the Lord has to say about us having His mind as we live out our lives following Him.

APPLICATION

Sounds simple, huh? “Have this attitude”! But then Paul says, “which was also in Christ Jesus.” Come on Paul! Who can do that? We aren’t Jesus. We can’t think like Him. We can’t be as humble as He was. Yet, I am reminded of John 14:12 which says, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.”

What?! Greater things than Him?! That’s what He said, and if He said it, I believe it. That means that I can have the same attitude He had. What was His attitude? Meekness, humility, service, obedience… Shall I go on? To be like Jesus is to think like Jesus. The popular bracelet from years past – WWJD – would be a great reminder for us. Before we do anything, think like Jesus and then do what He would do.

Are you prepared to do that? Are you willing to exchange your way of thinking for Jesus’ way? It’s possible through the transformation of your mind (Romans 12:1-2). Are you willing? Will you let go of your past concepts of how to live and allow Jesus to transform your mind into His mind? Oh, how wonderful that would be for us all.

Lord, give me the mind of Christ in all things.

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Bible, Christ, Conduct, Devil, Image, Mind

ACCORDING TO HIS IMAGE

COLOSSIANS 3:10

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it”

 

Our grandson is the perfect image of me! Just kidding. He does have my first name as his middle name. But he really resembles his mama and dad. He is the image of them both. When he is being good it’s his mama. When he’s mad it’s his dad. Not really. Just had to get a jab in for my great son-in-law.

We are all familiar with the Genesis story. “26 Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” I truly believe this is on Paul’s mind when he penned the words in today’s verse.

APPLICATION

You see, when we get rid of that old self, God renews us in His perfect image. We gain His knowledge and stop seeking the knowledge of the world. Just think about that. We gain the mind of Christ.

Whose image and knowledge and mind do you want? Christ’s or the devil’s? What a silly question. But what does the mind of Christ allow you to do? Why would you want that? With His mind you see the world differently. You see people differently. You simply live differently.

Today, as you go through your day, remember whose mind you have. When that old self is trashed (which is what Paul has been talking about these past few verses) you walk in victory. You walk with your head up. You walk looking upward and onward.

 

Father, I desire to live in Your image and with Your mind.

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Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Thoughts

SETTING YOUR MIND

COLOSSIANS 3:2

Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.

How is your thought life? I ask that question to the men I mentor on a regular basis. Some of these men struggle with keeping their mind pure. They have had issues with pornography in the past. So, I ask them when we talk how they are thinking, what are they setting their minds on.

Paul uses the Greek word phroneó to describe this command. Paul uses the Present Imperative Active form of this verb which means it is a command that we need to do over and over, to constantly do it. Therein lies the problem. So many of us do it once and think we are good. Nope. It doesn’t work that way.

APPLICATION

It is interesting that Jesus uses this same verb in the discourse with Peter when he was questioning Jesus’ message to them about suffering. Read what He says in Matthew 8:31-33. “31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise from the dead. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but on man’s.’”

Are you like Peter? Do you question the Lord’s words? Do you doubt His ability to work in and through you? Wouldn’t it be horrible to hear those words from Jesus? I would hate it. I want to be in tune with Him at all times. Am I? No, I am sorry to say. But I really want to be.

Today, start your day by getting your mind straight. Think on Jesus first. Ask Him what He wants you to do today? Before you start your day, spend time meditating on His Word. It is still so relevant for us today. He has things to say to us. Once you have heard Him, then just do what He says.

Father, speak to me. Show me today how to set my mind on You.

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Battles, Bible, Futility, Mind, Scripture, Useless, Walking

FUTILITY

EPHESIANS 4:17

“So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds,”

What exactly does “futility” mean? Well, according to the dictionary it means “pointlessness or uselessness.” Let me give you an example. It is futility to try to stop the ocean waves with a sandcastle. You can build as big of a one you like, but the crashing waves will bring it down and claim it once again to the ocean. It is useless. It is pointless. Why even try?

Paul is pointing out the unbelieving Gentiles, from which these Ephesian believers came. He is exhorting them to stop doing the things they used to do before coming to Christ. Remember, they all probably came out of pagan worship. Paul says that way of thinking is pointless and useless. It is futility. Pretty bold words, don’t you think?

APPLICATION

Paul uses this word in Romans 8:20 when he writes, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope.” Even the perfect creation God created fell to the futility of man when he ate of that fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Creation will never be perfect again until Jesus brings a new heaven and a new earth.

Then Peter uses that word in 2 Peter 2:18. “For, while speaking out arrogant words of no value they entice by fleshly desires, by indecent behavior, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,” You see, this kind of thinking, these words are of no value. They are pointless and useless. Why do we waste so much time trying to do things on our own? God has the answer if we will just turn to Him.

Paul is telling us in today’s verse to walk with Christ, not with the world. Stop emulating and embracing all these things. They are futile. Nothing that this world emphasizes will draw you closer to Jesus. Rely on His Word. Come to Him in prayer. Get your mind right each day so you can walk with purpose, serving the One who gave you life.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a new mind when I came to Jesus.

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Access, Appearance, Bible, God's Will, Messages, Mind, Mystery, Presence, Promises, Revelation, Scripture

REVELATION BY THE SPIRIT

EPHESIANS 3:5

“which in other generations was not made known to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;”

Revelations are pretty cool. What do I mean by that? I am not trying to be mystical or anything. Think about your everyday life. Sometimes things just “come” to you, as if the thought just popped out of nowhere. These revelations can be explained in a lot of ways – a subconscious thought, a memory, etc. But there were and still are some revelations that can only be explained by the Spirit.

Paul tells the Ephesians that this revelation he has received concerning the mystery of grace came from God through the Holy Spirit. This revelation, this apokaluptó, shows how this happened. The word means to take the cover off to reveal what has been hidden. The Holy Spirit has uncovered the secrets of grace to Paul and the other apostles and prophets. They have been given the privilege of understanding in order to teach it. It wasn’t their secret to keep. It was meant to be shared.

APPLICATION

What has God revealed to you? Jesus told us in Matthew 10:26, “‘So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.’” He wants to reveal Himself to you fully. He wants you to know as much as you can handle about this wonderful thing called grace. He wants to use you to spread this revelation to others.

This “revealing” by the Spirit is not a one-time thing. God continues to reveal things to you at the right time. Look what Philippians 3:15 says. “Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well;” He checks your attitude. Now, who doesn’t need that?

I have said it multiple times in my blogs. God does not want to play hide-and-seek with you. He wants you to find Him. He is not hiding. He is standing right out in the open. Just look. Open your eyes and ask Him to show you what you need. He promises to come alongside us and walk with us. You can’t get much more revealing than that.

O Lord, You are a revealing God. Thank You for showing us Yourself in Your Son, Jesus

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