Having the Mind of Christ
- jacarroll71
- Dec 11, 2013
- 2 min read
Today’s reading: Ephesians 6:1-Philippians 2:30
My selection: Philippians 2:5-7
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
My reflections: Paul commanded the Philippian Christians to have the mind of Christ among themselves. What is that mind? It is the mind of One who gave up the greatest glory in the universe to assume the lowest form of humankind, a servant. It is the mind of One who, after becoming a man and a servant, humbled Himself submitting to the most horrific death possible: crucifixion. Indeed, He was honored by God for all this and will be recognized by every person in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
That is the mind, says Paul, that Christians are to have.
My challenge: It should be a small thing for us to relinquish our position, prestige, and pride to serve others. We have so much less to give up than Christ had. We are already human so we are partly there toward being servants and dying to ourselves for the good of others. Why is this so hard?
Jesus modeled what He taught. He who loses his life will find it. Do you believe that? Have you learned that by experience?
Look for the areas of your life where you put yourself first. Look for the ways that you are liable to get angry or depressed when slighted or underestimated. Confess sin and pray that you may have the mind of Christ in your dealings with others. Actively seek to serve others as Christ did.
Tomorrow’s reading: Philippians 3:1-Colossians 2:23
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