Have the Mindset of Christ

This morning I am once again reminded of these verses from Paul’s letter to the Philippians 2:1-5 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:”

That last sentence just grabs my heart this morning!  In my relationships with one another, that means every one in the Body of Christ, (I think he is specifically speaking about our Christian Brothers and sisters here) that I should think about them, have a similar perspective as Christ would have… have His mindset! 

I can’t even begin to imagine what that is really like, for He was here to love and save us all!  

He knew that He was laying down His life for us!  How can we even grasp for a moment His mindset?

I guess that the closest I can come is how I feel about my family, my wife, my children, their spouses and their children.  I would gladly do anything I can to help them, to be there for them, to serve them, even to laying down my life for them!  There is an absolute mindset in me that they are worthy of any sacrifice, not because of what they have done, but rather because of who they are, those that I love with my whole life! 

I imagine that Christ Jesus has this same mindset about each of us! Wow!

Going back to some of the most quoted verses in Scripture - John 3:16-17 NIV:

[16] “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

These two verses are worth mining for the rest of our lives, for they explain God’s motivation and plan so clearly. When Jesus issued His famous new command (John 13:34-35), I believe He was building on the foundation of these two verses. 

John 13:34-35 NIV:

[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I think the phrase, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” perfectly captures Jesus’ mindset, His motivation and His invitation to us!  This is how we should live!  This is how the world will be changed!  This is what  putting on the mindset of Christ is all about!

Lord help us!  This certainly doesn’t flow out of our natural man!  

We need Your help Jesus!

Amen and Amen!