Study of Romans 12 – Verse 16 (Part 2 of 3)

"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." (Romans 12:16 NKJV)

    Last week, we looked at the first statement made in this verse; now let’s take time to study the second:

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.

'Do not set your mind on high things' means do not be haughty, exalted, full of pride, or arrogant

'associate with the humble' literally means let humble pursuits lead you, allow yourself to yield to humble conditions, employment, etc.

    God has commanded us, through the apostle Paul, to set our mind on things above (Colossians 3:2); these are not “high things,” these are heavenly things, where Christ is (Colossians 3:1). When you read the term “high things” in Romans 12:16, I would like you to think about the “high places” mentioned in the Old Testament; the places set up for pagan idol worship (ex: 1 Kings 14:22-23). We, too, can set up these ‘high places’ in our minds – pursuing a career or a promotion at the cost of neglecting God and His way, our family, our brethren, and/or dreaming of a fancier wardrobe, car, boat, house, cottage/cabin, neighbourhood, etc. These pursuits can come between us and God, which would make them an idol – a thing that holds our attention and distracts us from what God wants us to pursue.    

I think it is appropriate to take the time to consider what it is that God created us for:

He made us to seek Him, grope for Him, and find Him (Acts 17:26-27)

He made us to proclaim His praises (because He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9)

He created in Christ Jesus to do good works (that we should walk in them, Ephesians 2:10)

And now consider exactly what is that God commands us to pursue:

Righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11)

Peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14)

What is good both for yourselves and for all (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

    Our minds are to be set on these humble pursuits (Colossians 3:1-4), these good and noble pursuits that will greatly benefit others as well as we who seek after them and develop in them. We can still work (whether inside or outside our homes), but the difference is that whatever we do in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and we do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:17, 23).

    This humble mindset is one that wholly trusts in God and praises Him for His daily blessings (Psalm 25:4-5, 56:3-4, 68:19) We trust that God knows what we need, and that He will provide those needful things when we make it that our top priority to seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34). This humble, trusting faith will help us to be content in any circumstance of life, good or bad, because our confidence is in God (Philippians 4:11-14) – love will continue to bloom wherever this humble heart is planted.

    When our humble heart exhibits love it will show us willing to do what is needed, no matter how simple or lowly the task, to help the cause of Christ and/or help a fellow Christian in need. Read and consider John 13:12-17. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, nor does not seek its own (1 Corinthians 13:4-8), it doesn’t crave the spotlight; it humbly serves and quietly provides sincere care.

    Remember, we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Romans 12:3), nor think ourselves above serving another (John 13:12-17). Take time to read and think on Jeremiah 9:23-24. Let’s flourish in knowing and understanding God so that we don’t set our minds on haughty things, but instead, associate with the humble in doing what is good! Are you ready?

You can do it! So can I!!