Let This Mind (cont.)
In going a little different direction from last time, we have the verse found in Philippians 2:5 which says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Then, Paul begins to show what the mind of Jesus was. To let this mind be in us means to let the same mindset, the same kind of thinking that Jesus had to our mindset, to be our thinking as well. And as we mentioned, we can read what follows to know specifically what Paul is talking about. Jesus, though He was God, with all the God-glory, was willing to humble Himself and become what we, as humans, needed. He humbled Himself so that He could express to us, and show us, what love really is.
We can find no greater example of love and humility than what we find in Jesus Himself. As one writer said, “He is the supreme example of love and humility.” Paul is saying that we are to do our best to exemplify the same kind of love and humility. Jesus gave Himself for others. Jesus thought of others. Jesus did all that He did here on this earth, and also what He is still doing, so that we, all of us, could benefit from Him. The writer we mentioned above put it like this, “Paul is challenging his readers to think like that – to be willing to lower themselves for the benefit of the other. That is how they could be of the same mind, maintaining the same love, and intent on one purpose – by being willing to make their own interests and purposes subservient for the good of the other person.”
Going back to Jesus, He showed us a picture of perfect humility, perfect love and perfect obedience to God. He not only thought that way, but He also acted that way. So, we not only have to think that way, and talk that way, if you will, we have to put it into action. Another writer said, “This verse serves as a reminder for us to prioritize Christlike attributes in our relationships, both with God and with others.”
How can a person testify to being a Christian, which simply means like Christ, or Christlike, and then turn around and treat others with contempt, or unkindness, or disrespect, or meanness? They just don’t go together! There is something wrong with the heart if those kinds of actions come through when it comes to others.
We go back to what we said last time: Paul said not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. When our hearts are right with God, when our hearts have been transformed by the power of God, when our hearts have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we will have the right mindset. But then, we have to put it into action. We have to let that mindset flow out into our everyday life, and into our relationships with others. May God help us to “Let this mind be in (us) which was also in Christ Jesus.”