Highlighting – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (v.5)
As Christians we should desire to grow in Christ-likeness. If we don’t know what it means to be like Christ, this passage is a great place to begin, following up with a diligent study of the Gospel of John. Paul exhorts the people of Philippi to strive to be one in love, mind, and Spirit. We can apply this teaching to our lives today. While He was still God, Jesus Christ humbled Himself to fulfill the will of His Father in order to save the lost and heal the sick. Jesus is the perfect example of a man living a life of servitude. What I’d like to point out is that He did this for people who didn’t deserve it (us).
Moving on to verses 6 through 8, we see the importance of humility. What does it mean to be humble? Value others above yourself and look to the interests of others before yours (v.3-4). Even Paul, found great joy in being poured out as a sacrifice for the faith of others (Philippians 2:17). May it be the desire of our hearts to be humble to the point of sacrifice.
While we meditate on this passage today, let’s ask ourselves, are we living a life of service as Christ did? Do we strive to be like Jesus in thought, attitude, word and deed? We will learn to understand the mind of Christ the more we read the Word and commune with Him in prayer. If you don’t do this already, I suggest praying before reading your Bible and asking God to open your mind and heart to receive the message He has for you through His Word. Second, pray after reading your Bible and ask God to make His Word rest in your heart (Ps. 119:10-12).
If you’re prideful, you’ll likely not be able to serve others with a pure heart. The blessing in humbling yourself is that God will then raise you up for all to see. I urge you to confess and repent of any sins in your life that may be hindering you from being like Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you and give you a heart of service. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt 26:41b).
Dear God, thank You for another day to be in Your presence. Help me to die to myself daily and live as Christ did. I want to stay focused on You. Help me to bear fruit of the Holy Spirit so that I may be more like Christ each day. May I be a servant after your own heart, eagerly demonstrating the love you have for me towards others. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may my mind and heart be transformed and renewed. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Recent Comments