Framing of the Mind (φρονέω)

In Scripture, the mind is described in several ways providing us extensive insights concerning the processes, results, and even state, of the mind. One aspect of the mind revealed to us through Scripture is how we frame our mind. “Framing the mind” focuses on the boundaries we establish within our minds based upon our opinions. We naturally build these mental boundaries within our mind opinions as we develop perceptive about everything around us, including ourselves and our beliefs. These boundaries directly affect our attitude and actions.

We can frame our mind on the things of men, or the things of God. An example of this contrast is seen when Peter is rebuked for not having a proper frame of mind concerning the things of God when He says to Jesus, His death 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 addressed with the Jews concerning why he was a prisoner. After hearing from him, they sought to learn what his views were on what they consider a sect—what is his frame of mind 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 an opinion that 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 instructed 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 minds as inarticulate babblers, as we once did before learning the truth. In contrast, we are to put away the ways of a child (inarticulate babbler) and act as mature ones (1 Corinthians 13:11). Our frame of mind should be the same as Christ, Who did not consider His outward appearance of Deity something to be grasped. Instead, He 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 minds are to be set on the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-3). How we perceive ourselves should line up with what God declares about us in Christ. This truth will profoundly impact our daily 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…). 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.

Since God does not lie, our actions should reflect the truth of who we are in Christ. By appropriately framing our minds, we express a proper opinion of God in all our activities. This frame of mind enables us to live in alignment with His truth and glorify Him through a perspective grounded in what He has revealed.