Philippians: The Mindset of Christ

“Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” This was the challenge that Paul gave to the Philippian church as he called them to be unified. He then goes on to describe what Christ’s mindset really was all about — sacrificial love. Jesus put others before Himself, and didn’t use His power to force His way into anything. He put God first and humbly served others, not thinking about His own comfort or needs. God first, others second, Himself third.

And He did all of this willingly. He wasn’t forced or coerced. He wasn’t bribed. He did this knowing full well what it would cost Him, even giving up His rights and eventually His life. This is the mindset of Jesus, and it’s what we’re called to strive for, and how we’re to act towards each other each and every day.

It’s not easy. And we will never do it perfectly. But we’re called to try. Each one of us, those who call themselves followers of Jesus, we are all called to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Some days will be better than others, and we will often fall short, but we are called to never give up trying and striving to follow Him.

So as you see other Christians trying to imperfectly follow our perfect Saviour, don’t belittle them or put them down when they mess up, instead you should encourage and support them, and strive alongside them. In this way we will share the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

If you want to prepare for this coming Sunday’s message, read through the whole letter to the Philippians — it won’t take that long, I promise! And make sure you pay close attention to Phil 2:1-11.

 

Pastor Mike