Have This Mind Among Yourselves

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death… on a cross…

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now,.. work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

“Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death… Let us… think this way.” Philippians 2:3-8,12-15; 3:7-10,15

Paul is a master at explaining the truth of things. As he urges Christlike behavior, he explores the necessary foundation of understanding and applying Christ’s humility. It was He who perfectly laid aside His glory and desire for the good of God’s children, He who emptied Himself so believers could live. Therefore the church is to work out salvation by cooperating with the Spirit within who convicts and inspires at God’s good pleasure. Paul not only teaches but exemplifies this mindset as he exalts Christ as supreme in his life and ministry.

It is our minds that dictate what we do and the direction we take. Desire stems from thought and assumption, and motivation is fueled by the value we place on how we invest different aspects of ourselves. To humbly consider others over self, genuinely looking out for their interests at whatever expense, is an indication of the mind of Christ within.

What does our behavior reveal about whom we are really serving? Do we dive into the day clutching our own agenda? Do we endure work as it’s comfy and beneficial for us, or look to see how the Lord would have us serve our company and colleagues? Do we pass time with what pleases us, or treat it as a gift to be spent for God’s kingdom? Taking time to contemplate the Lord Jesus’s sacrificial life and death will work His heartbeat and mindset into our souls. How might we better hone a Christ-like mind today?

Lord, teach me Your thinking, fill me with Your passion, and be glorified in my living.