Weekly Devotiional - "The Mind of Christ" - 10/15/12

From Lenae, GEMS Training Manager

THE MIND OF CHRIST

Let each of you look not only to his (her) interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:4-5, ESV

Very little is known about English hymn writer Kate Barclay Wilkinson. She lived in the early twentieth century and ministered to young women in west London. Based on the words of her only known hymn, one wonders if she talked to those girls about what it means to think right and win the fight!

This is the first verse of Kate’s beautiful hymn, which begins as a prayer for our mind:

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,

Live in me from day to day,

By His love and power controlling

All I do and say.

This hymn is based on Philippians 2:5: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. There’s the command: Have this mind. But what is Paul referring to? It’s in the previous verse. Let each of you look not only to his (her) own interests, but also the interests of others. Have this mind (v. 4-5).

The mindset of Christ thinks about others more than self. It’s a mind that thinks humble, selfless thoughts. It’s an attitude that does nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considers, thinks, and counts others more significant than ourselves (v. 3).

Do you and I have the mind of Christ?

·      Do we give more thought time to others or ourselves? Jesus looked to the interests of others (v. 4).

·      Do we count our rights and entitlements or do we calculate and do the math Jesus’ way? Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing (v. 6-7).  

·      Are our actions most often self-serving or servant-like? Jesus made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant (v. 7). He came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

·      Do a self-assessment. Are you humble or proud? Would others agree? Most importantly, what does God see in our hearts and minds – humility or pride? Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (v. 8).

When Jesus’ mindset of love and humility lives in us from day to day, it will control all we do and say.

Think on it: What can we do today to take a greater interest in the lives of others?   

Regularly contemplate the cross.  Nothing should humble us more than the perfect, sinless, Son of God willingly pouring out His life to rescue those who hated Him and rebelled against Him.

Mark Altrogge