In koine Greek the mind is described in several ways giving great detail in the process, result, and even state of the mind. Often translated as “setting the mind”, “Framing the mind” focuses on the boundaries we set within our minds based upon our opinions. It is therefore the opinions we build within our minds concerning everything around us, including ourselves, beliefs that directly affect our attitude and actions.
Peter is rebuked for not having a proper frame of mind concerning the things of God when He says the death of Christ will not happen – And He turned to Peter, “Get behind me, adversary, you are a scandal to me because you do not frame your mind on the things of God but on the things of men (Matthew 16:21). The first time Paul was in Rome, he spoke with the Jews in the area concerning why he was a prisoner. Hearing from him, they sought to learn what his views were on what they consider a sect. That is, what is frame of mind was concerning this sect of The Way. (But we think it proper towards hearing you, that which you frame your mind, for indeed concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against – Acts 28:19).
Because the framing of the mind is based upon the opinion we hold of ourselves and others, it directly affects our actions. A mind that is framed on the flesh produces death, but a mind framed on the Spirit works out life and peace (Romans 8:5). We are not to have a high frame of mind, but are to be of the same frame of mind with other Christians (Romans 12:16). As sons of God, we are not to frame our mind as inarticulate babblers, which we were before learning the truth; rather, we are to put away the things of a child (1 Corinthians 13:11) and act as mature ones. Our frame of mind should be the same as Christ, Who did not consider His outward appearance of Deity something to be grasped, but submitted to the will of the Father and being found in the outward form of a servant died, even a cross type of death (Philippians 2:5-8).
As Christians, our mind is to be set on the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-3). Therefore, how we perceive ourselves should line up with what God says about us in Christ. This truth should impact our everyday life. Even when doing the laundry, cooking a meal, during work, on the drive home, or whatever else we do during the day, every aspect of our lives is governed by how we frame our mind. Do we take God at His Word and frame our opinion of ourselves based upon what He says, or keep focusing on the things of the flesh and rejecting truth? We have the prize of the high calling of God in Christ. (Philippians 3:14-15 According to the mark I pursue because of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ…). Therefore, because of what we have and who we are in Christ, let us press on with a correct frame of mind, adjusting our opinions of ourselves to what God says, for He does not lie, so that our actions start to line up with who we are in Christ and we express a proper opinion of God in our activities by having an appropriate frame of mind concerning ourselves that is based upon the truth.
