DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MIND OF CHRIST

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE MIND OF CHRIST

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:1-4)

My natural mind is radically different than the mind of Christ. I am by nature ego-centric. My world revolves around me as surely as the earth revolves around the Sun. I look for the line that is shortest in the grocery store even if others have been waiting longer. I look for the best deal for me at a garage sale, even if the price is less than I should pay. I fight for my space on the highway, cutting off people because I want their spot. I take the last piece of apple pie on the dessert table without thinking that someone else may want that piece. I get upset if someone makes me wait five minutes. I get envious when someone else is honored instead of me. As the King said to Anna in "The King and I", "Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera."

God calls me to have a different mindset – one that considers what is best for someone else. Paul shows us what the Mind of Christ was in verses 5-8. Jesus gave up his rights of His position in heaven, He made himself of no reputation. He humbled himself to die on a rugged cross in great humiliation. He was more concerned about our salvation than for His own welfare. He did it for me.

This is the mind of Christ – to not be motivated by selfish ambition; to esteem others as better than myself; to look out for the interests of others at the expense of my own rights.

How many wars could have been avoided with this mind? How many marriages could have been saved? How many broken friendships could have been mended? How many church splits could have been avoided?

I cannot do this in my own strength. I need God to implant His mind in my mind in order to fulfill this mindset of looking out for what is best for other people above my own interests. God, give me the mind of the Spirit of Christ.

Love, Dad