Paul continues revealing attitudes and actions
for believers who live out the gospel of grace.
Good morning. Today’s Bible verse is Romans 12:16: “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.”
As believers,
we have been called out of worldly conceit
into the marvelous love of God our Father.
We have the indwelling Holy Spirit,
the mind of Christ,
and the truth of the gospel of grace.
Because we share His life,
we share fellowship with one another.
And because of that shared life,
Paul calls us to be “of the same mind
toward one another.”
This unity comes through faith in the gospel of grace
and through walking in the teachings
given to us through Paul.
Those outside the Body
do not share this spiritual life.
There can be no unity of purpose
or fellowship of mind
with those who are spiritually dead.
Paul directs our focus inward—
toward one another,
toward unity
and humility in the Body of Christ.
He warns us
not to set our minds on “high things,”
not to chase the approval
of the world’s elite,
not to seek status, recognition,
or admiration.
Sadly, some who claim to follow Christ
pursue scholarly distinction,
social influence,
or political power,
hoping to gain favor
from the world.
Such pursuits often lead to pride—
flaunting knowledge,
wealth, or accomplishments,
and striving to wield control over
other members of the Body.
But this is not the way of grace.
We are all equal under the blood—
sinners saved by grace through faith,
and that not of ourselves.
Whatever we possess,
spiritually or materially,
is by the hand of God.
So, Paul calls us
to associate with the humble,
to walk in lowliness of mind,
to remember that every gift we have
is for the strengthening
and growth
of the Body of Christ.
Dear brothers and sisters,
though we have differing gifts,
we are all equal in Christ Jesus.
Let us not seek the world’s approval.
Let us not strive for academic achievement,
political advancement,
or financial gain
in order to elevate ourselves
over others.
Let us walk in humility,
unity, and grace—
the posture that reflects
the life of Christ in us.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 12:16.
Meditation:
Humility is the shared posture of those who belong to Christ. It is the mind of Christ forming our thoughts, our attitudes, and our fellowship with one another.
When we walk low before God, we walk in unity with His people.
Reflection Question:
Where is the Lord inviting you today to lower your mind, to quiet self-exaltation, and to pursue unity with another member of His Body?