The Mindset of Christ for One Another

This morning I am reflecting on some of my favorite verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians 2:1-18 NIV:

[1] "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 

[6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 

[7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

[8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death---even death on a cross! 

[9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 

[10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

[11] and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 

[14] Do everything without grumbling or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky [16] as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. [17] But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. [18] So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."

It was interesting as I started reading these verses I found myself start praying for the churches around me.  I had never thought to apply these verses to churches or congregations, but as I prayed through these verses, I found that they could certainly be applied, and would likely have a profound impact on the Body of Christ!  

It is with great sadness that I look around and see so many churches with so few relationships between pastors, leaders and even the congregations.  We are far from being a like-minded, same loving, one spirit and mind Body.  Imagine what it would be like if churches started praying for one another in earnest, started desiring other churches' success as much as their own!  Imagine if we learned to share resources, buildings, equipment, all with understanding that we were all part of the same family, the same Body, fulfilling the same ministry, that of Jesus!  Oh Lord, help us to become Your united Body, fulfilling Your ministry!

Next as I was reflecting, I started thinking about marriages, and the many who struggle to be successful in marriage.  I had been reading a blog post of funny comments about marriage, and most of them, while funny, uncovered a selfish mindset.  Imagine applying these verses to one's marriage!  Imagine what one's marriage might be like if both members regularly reflected upon these verses and prayed them into their lives!  I found myself praying for those that I know are struggling, and praying for my own, that I might embrace this heart attitude more fully.  Oh Lord, help all of us who are married to embrace humility, putting our spouse's needs before our own, embracing Your mindset about them!

Finally, as I was praying through these verses I was thinking about the many who are offended or angry or grumbling about the church they belong to, the leadership, others in their congregation.  Again, I was encouraged to pray for all those who have been hurt, wounded, angry about something in their local congregation!  Lord help us to look at one another in love and humility!  Let us embrace one another in love, tenderness and compassion, and having the mindset of Christ for one another!

Oh that we would have Your mindset Jesus in all of our dealings with one another.  Lord, open our eyes, that we might see as You see.  Open our ears that we might hear what You have heard, what You are speaking!  Lord, help us to open our hearts for one another, that we might love as You loved us first!

Amen and Amen!