The Mind of Christ

Scripture:  Philippians 2:1-8 - If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Seeking to understand the mind of Christ can bring unity among God’s people.  Paul told his readers to make his joy in them complete by being of the same mind – by actively/continually pursuing truth together.  He told them to have a mutual love for one another – which  is identical to Christ’s selfless love.  We are to live together in harmony and to glorify God.  Paul’s use of the words selfishness and conceit makes me think about how certain things in our lives must go.  Being convinced that we are always right when you are wrong must go!  Being unable to admit to others in situations when we are wrong must go!  We shouldn’t selfishly fight for our views.  Selfishly looking out for our own interests must go! Perhaps these attitudes were showing up in the Philippian congregation.  Paul counters these negative commands with a positive one.  We should fix our eyes on the good points/qualities of others.  In humility we should count others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).  Having the mind of Christ has to do with being humble.  For Christians, being humble is something to work toward – a virtue.  Jesus continually taught about being humble.

The Pre-existent Christ (verse 6) took on the form of a bondservant (v.7). He was killed because He was obedient to God the Father so that our sins could be forgiven.  Jesus’ death was no ordinary death on the cross.  He emptied Himself and became a human being.  He gave up Heaven to be born in a stable because of His obedience, and He was exalted!!  He is our Lord and Savior – Jesus the Christ!!!

Jesus has given us a visible and perfect example of a life of pure love, pure service, pure submission, and pure humility – by putting aside his self interest to do something for others.  Is it your desire to have the mind of Christ?  We surely need the Lord’s help.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for Jesus – who gives us a perfect example of how we should live daily.  We fall so short.  Help us to have a desire to have the mind of Christ in every area of our lives.  Help us to see things according to Your perspective, and help us to repent of our selfish/wicked ways. We want You to get the glory!  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)