Thinking like Jesus is not easy. Having his attitude and mindset is hard day after day. Especially if people around you don’t care. Caring when others don’t is a real challenge. But it is in contexts like this that we shine the brightest for God. But we really do need each other in the church to help us learn how to think and be like Jesus at all times.
Probably the best portion of Paul’s writings to help us with this is Philippians 2:1-11. In the first paragraph he addresses interpersonal problems plaguing their fellowship: selfish ambition, vain conceit and self-centeredness. All of these are rooted in personal pride. How does the body of Christ overcome these?
By being like-minded (focusing on the same thing)
By being one in spirit and purpose (thinking the same thing about Jesus)
By having the same love
By having the mindset of Jesus Christ
If we are to focus on thinking the same thing about Jesus, and having the same love for each other because of that, what then did Jesus think? Again, Paul provides the model.
Jesus took on the attitude of humility and emptied himself.
Jesus did not grasp onto his position of being equal with God.
Jesus took on the form of humanity with all of its challenges and suffering.
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient even to the point of death.
Once we realize the power of the mindset of Jesus, we are then willing to give up self, relinquish personal pride, dethrone personal ambition, emptying ourselves so that we can be filled with the Spirit and the mind of Christ. This is a total transformation of the mind and heart that defines the Christian perspective on life. I know it is hard, but living otherwise is harder!
Probably the best portion of Paul’s writings to help us with this is Philippians 2:1-11. In the first paragraph he addresses interpersonal problems plaguing their fellowship: selfish ambition, vain conceit and self-centeredness. All of these are rooted in personal pride. How does the body of Christ overcome these?
By being like-minded (focusing on the same thing)
By being one in spirit and purpose (thinking the same thing about Jesus)
By having the same love
By having the mindset of Jesus Christ
If we are to focus on thinking the same thing about Jesus, and having the same love for each other because of that, what then did Jesus think? Again, Paul provides the model.
Jesus took on the attitude of humility and emptied himself.
Jesus did not grasp onto his position of being equal with God.
Jesus took on the form of humanity with all of its challenges and suffering.
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient even to the point of death.
Once we realize the power of the mindset of Jesus, we are then willing to give up self, relinquish personal pride, dethrone personal ambition, emptying ourselves so that we can be filled with the Spirit and the mind of Christ. This is a total transformation of the mind and heart that defines the Christian perspective on life. I know it is hard, but living otherwise is harder!
In Christian love, Curtis
1 comment:
Good, solid material, Curtis! Phil 2 is the perfect place for commentary!
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