This Mind

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:5

What can we know about the mindset of Christ?  Paul gives us insight into this as he continues to write the passage which follows our text.  He tells us that Christ, ‘being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.’  Here is how Paul illustrates Christ’s ‘mind’ or mindset.  What we see from his illustration is a mindset of humility and self-sacrifice.  He did not stand upon His rights or insist upon recognition of His status.  Rather we find Christ setting aside His rights and recognition to descend to the lowest place in order to do the most good for the most people.  His mindset was utterly selfless and genuinely loving.  Here is the active demonstration of the highest good.  This is the what will accomplish the most good in the world.  It is the pattern of thinking which is utterly connected to Christ.  For us the contemplation of Christ is what leads us to the imitation of Christ.  We must know Him, make Him the object of our faith, and continue to look to Him.  All the means of Grace He has provided serve to keep Him ever before us.  By the use the Holy Spirit makes of these means we will come to see Christ more clearly that His mindset may become ours.

Our Wise and Holy God,
we rejoice that You have given us insight
into the mind of Christ.
We praise You that we have the privilege
to look to Him and to be conformed
into His Image by His Spirit.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning