by: Dr. Allen Domelle
Philippians 2:5
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
If you can understand someone’s mindset, you have a better chance of comprehending the what and how of their instructions. There have been times when someone asked me to do something when I didn’t quite understand what they wanted, so I asked them to explain their thinking so that I could perform their request to their satisfaction. My desire is not only to accomplish what someone wants me to do, but to do it exactly the way they want me to do it.
The Christian should have this same desire when it comes to serving the LORD. Every Christian should desire to not only do what God instructs and commands us to do, but to do it exactly the way He wants it done. This is why the verse above says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” God knows that if we can get the Christly mindset, we will please Him with all that we do. The verses that come after the verse above explains to the Christian the Christly mindset.
First, the Christly mindset understands your position with God. Verse 7 says, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…” If you are going to get the mind of Christ, you are going to have to realize that you are supposed to be a servant of God. This life is not about you and what you want, but it is about serving the LORD. Everything that Christ did on Earth was a fulfillment of what the Father commanded Him to do. He was a servant to the fullest meaning. You will never please God until you assume the role of a servant and serve the LORD.
Second, the Christly mindset is understanding who you are. Verse 8 says, “And being found in fashion as a man…” Jesus completely understood that He took on the robes of flesh. Yes, He was still God, but He was God in the flesh. You will struggle to please the LORD until you understand that you are just a man. If you don’t understand your weakness as a sinner, you will fail to serve the LORD by not guarding against sin. Friend, never think of yourself as higher than a man. Understand that you are a sinner and capable of committing any sin. When you get this understanding, you will be able to better resist the temptations of sin.
Third, the Christly mindset is having the right attitude about yourself. Verse 8 continues to say, “…he humbled himself…” The mind of Christ is a humble mind. A humble mind is one that is modest or unassuming. Don’t ever take on the mindset that you are better than others. Likewise, a humble mind doesn’t think of itself lower than others. Self-deprecation is a form of pride because the focus of this person is on themselves. If you are going to have the mind of Christ, you must take your eyes off yourself and place them on Christ. Keeping your eyes on Christ will give you the right humble mindset that He wants you to have.
Fourth, the Christly mindset understands your purpose, and that purpose is to obey. Verse 8 continues to say, “…and became obedient unto death…” True obedience has no boundaries to which it submits. The Christly mindset is the willingness to obey God to the degree of losing everything. Ask yourself, what is the line where you will no longer obey Christ? Your answer shows whether or not you have the mind of Christ. You will only please God with your life if you mirror the Christly mindset.