Devotionals

The Mind of Christ

by Jennifer Woodley 
06/02/21
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“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:5 (NRSV)

Jesus’ spirituality was a spirituality of humble submission. He demonstrated that status in the Christian life is not gained by looking out for number one, but by humbly sacrificing ourselves for others.

However, let’s not become confused here. Verse 4 clearly says that we should look out for our own interests too. What are we to say to these two verses that almost seem to be in contradiction? It is selfishness that is the problem here. When we move from considering our needs to becoming selfish and disregarding the needs of others, that is where we cease to have the mind of Christ.

Clearly, we need to ask the Lord each day for discernment and wisdom in this regard. A few honest questions to consider are: Is this pursuit necessary? Is it pleasing to the Lord? Is anyone else being harmed or neglected by my choice? What is the mind of Christ in this situation? Simple considerations such as these will help us to keep Jesus at the centre of our actions and ensure that we are responding in a way that He would.

Let’s consider what it means to have the mind of Christ. He emptied Himself; He took the form of a servant; He humbled Himself. It is this deep humility and consideration of others that took our Saviour to the cross. This is the spirit that we desire to animate in our daily lives. Continue to meditate upon Christ’s sacrifice, seek to bear the marks of sacrifice in our lives, and we will learn to have the mind of Christ.