“For LET this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:5 from the Douay-Rheims 1899 version
Before we elucidate what the mind of Christ is, let’s pay close attention to the word “let” here. Let implies YOU have to do something. You have to cooperate and let it happen.
I Corinthians 2:16 already assures Christians of the following:
“But we have the mind of Christ.”
As believers, we have the mind of Christ, but Philippians tells us we must LET it happen. In order to let it happen, we need to understand the qualities of the mind of Christ.
What is this Mind of Christ?
What characteristics does the mind of Christ give us? As we read through the rest of Philippians, pay attention to the verses that come before 2:5 (read the whole chapter). This gives the proper context and helps us understand the Mind of Christ. Here are a few of the attributes:
- It is of one mind.
- It is humble.
- Looks out for the interest of others.
- Takes the form of a servant.
- Obedient to God.
The mind of Christ is of one mind. Philippians 2:2 says “you may be of one mind.” Paul pleads with believers to not be divisive but to strive for one mind. To be one in the mind of Christ. Remember in John 10:30 where Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” This is a picture of unity.
The mind of Christ is humble. As Philippians 2:3 states, “Let nothing be done through contention, neither by vain glory: but in humility, let each esteem others better than themselves.” This reminds us of Jesus statement, “If any man desires to be first, they shall be last.” PUT OTHERS FIRST. Jesus could have run around saying, “I’m the Son of God; worship me!” He didn’t do this; instead, he emptied himself and served.
The mind of Christ looks out for others. Verse 4: “Each one not considering the things that are his own, but those that are other men’s.” What a wonderful attribute. Simply put, it means to not be selfish. Consider how your own actions and behavior might affect someone else. Always be cognizant of your neighbor’s needs.
The mind of Christ takes the form of a servant. As 2:7 states, “But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant…” In addition, remember Mark 10:45: “For the Son of Man also is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a redemption for man.” Imagine having everything, a name above all and lowering yourself to serve.
One of my favorite scenes of Jesus being the servant is in John chapter 13, where Jesus washes the disciples’s feet. He becomes the servant before going on to make the ultimate sacrifice.
The mind of Christ is obedient to God. Verse 2:8: “He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. One must follow the will of God. The Christ mind does what the Father asks. The Christ mind goes where the Father asks no matter the cost.
Key Points to The Mind Of Christ
In summary, the mind of Christ focuses on others needs. Others > self. The mind of Christ doesn’t act lofty; it’s humble and remains one with the Father. The mind of Christ serves and makes sacrifices.
The mind of Christ thinks on the things of God and not of man. As stated in Colossians 3: Put your mind on things ABOVE and not on things ON EARTH. Choose God and above instead of choosing man and below.
As a Christian, you must decide to let the mind of Christ be in you. It’s through your cooperation with God that this mind can thereby transform the world.