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“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” The first two verses of the chapter are regularly connected in sermons and other teaching, but these are rarely quoted together. I am always surprised by that, as I see such a vital link between them. The imperative in verse two is renewal of the mind; instructions on the subject of that renewal come in verse three. While we often believe our thinking patterns regarding the world are the main issue, it seems the way we think about ourselves is key. Affection for, and subsequent conformity to the world have their root in the selfish desires of the flesh. When we place ourselves at the pinnacle of importance, we obey our own desires, live in a pattern of sinfulness, thinking and behaving in a worldly manner. The person we consider above all others in life should be our Savior. A person living in total devotion to Him will think soberly and live righteously, separating themselves from worldly influence.