Russell's Reasoning's — West Douglas Church Of Christ

Last time we looked at the word Mind, which is found four times in this one verse. Two times it is simply ‘Mind’ or the source of thought, our thinking. Our last focus was on the mind with the prefix ‘Hyper’ attached to it. Hyper-minded means to think of ourselves above what is normal or allowed by GOD. Thus, prideful, arrogant, and self-obsessed. The last word, ‘Mind’, also has a prefix attached to it. It is the word, ‘Sophronein’. The prefix comes from a word meaning ‘Safe, temperate, self-controlled, sober, or discreet’. This word is directly related to the word ‘Save, saved, or salvation.” Thus, it literally means, ‘Safe-minded’- the proper way in which a person is to think about himself. It is not the opposite of Hyper-minded which would be Hypo-minded or think too low about oneself, which is also not appropriate. Safe-minded is sort of the middle ground. It is a person who does not think too highly of himself or two lowly of himself, both of which are inappropriate. The ESV says, “but to think with sober judgment.” The NASB phrases the statement as, “but to think so as to have sound judgment.” Paul then finishes up this safe mindedness with, “each according to the measure of faith that GOD has assigned.” Safe thinking seems to be proportional to the measure of faith gifted by GOD. I won’t go into all the theology of what that statement means at this time. I am only interested in the ‘Three Bears” principle. There are Three bowls of porridge and free will to choose. Only one bowl is SAFE to eat. It is not too hot or too cold. It is just right. Interestingly enough, that Safe Bowl was set before the baby of the family. Are you with me? GOD’S children are served up the opportunity to think appropriately about ourselves as we sit at GOD’S table. We can be arrogant and in danger of a great fall. We can have low self-esteem in danger of not appreciating GOD’S blessings. Or we can be SAFE MINDED, Just Right, as GOD desires of all HIS children.

Russell Ashby