The Mind of Christ Jesus

Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

What attracted you to the Lord Jesus in your early encounter with him? When asked this question several people have told me that they were attracted to his love for mankind, humility and compassion for the poor and needy. These are all true and worth treasuring as we walk in our daily walk with the Lord. In following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ among many characteristics there are three to remember from the second chapter of Philippians.

• He knew who He was therefore we should know who we are in Christ: Although He existed in the form of God He did not consider it a thing to be grasped. He was inseparable from God yet for a moment he became a servant by giving up all His rights. Christ has chosen us, predestined us, he knew us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb, adopted us as sons and daughters, seated us in heavenly realms, forgiven us, redeemed us of the curse, dropped all charges against us and has give us the Holy Spirit. Nothing can detach us from our God given position. Fear may trouble us for a time, sickness will make us suffer, and people will treat us unkindly. In moments like these remember who you are in Christ Jesus and address the situation from your position of victory.

• He became a servant: Jesus humbled himself and became obedient like a servant of His time and to the point of death on the cross. He was unnerved by the consequence of His obedience as a servant. When insults were hurled at Him by prosecutors and public, He continued to serve by remaining silent. Paul exhorts Christians to consider others better than themselves in verse 3. Servant hood is a matter of choice for a Christian. We have to be intentional in our service and this includes everyone. Humanly speaking this is hardly possible but with Christ we chose to serve. Being a servant is not a one time act. It is ongoing outcome of a deeper growing relationship with Christ enabled by the Holy Spirit and propelled by the love of God. So when you choose to forgive and be kind to an arrogant boss, colleague, spouse or children do it as a servant. You can do it only this way and none other than His Spirit will help you.

• He did not judge: He came not to judge but to serve. The Lord Jesus could have spent His entire life time and more to judge the people of His time. None fitted the God given standard, His own disowned Him and left. He was bruised, despised, rejected, abused, harassed and finally crucified. He had all the reasons to judge but he deliberately chose to serve. In Luke 4:19, He purposely did not read the section that says (Isahia61:2) the day of the vengeance of our God because He came to declare God’s love. Too often we are quick in judging by what we see; bad behavior, clothes and other socially unacceptable practices. Judgment is God’s business not ours and knowingly we replace Him. So who are you judging right now? Who needs your forgiveness? How long will you judge and hold back forgiving friends, family and colleagues who have hurt you. Though none be worthy yet in following Christ we chose not to judge.

We are reminded in the book of Romans to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Our supreme example of transformation is the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul invites people to imitate him but he persuades believers to follow the example of Jesus. We can change habits but it requires inner transformation of the mind to live like a servant, refrain from judging and to love others unconditionally.

Prince David