The Mind of Christ
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Deuteronomy 16:1-8; Philippians 2:1-11
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...(Philippians 2:5)"
The other day I was talking with some folks about the nature of God. We were talking about the idea of an eternal and infinite God and how there was absolutely no possible way for us comprehend what that actually means. Yet, God in God’s grace determined to make known this mystery by becoming like one of us.
Have you ever thought about the great grace that was God becoming man in the person of Jesus?
We can truly know God through the face of Christ.
And so, Paul says, “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
What is this mindset that we are to have in relationship to one another?
I think he tells us in verses three and four:
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Then he goes on to show how Christ demonstrated that in verses 6-8:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!"
How am I doing with valuing others above myself?
I want to say that I do this really well. But, I know my heart. I know that I’m as selfish and self-centered as they come. It is a constant battle to live in generous humility.
The older I get the more I want to follow and live in the way of Jesus because I have come to the realization that living this way is so much better than any other. Happiness, I am learning, is ultimately found in loving well.