Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
As Christians, we are urged to have the mind of Christ in all things, reflecting His attributes, character, and nature in our daily lives. The call here is to reflect Christ’s attitude of humility and sacrificial love on the cross. In Philippians 2:6-11, we are told that Christ gave up His divine privileges, took on human form, and then humbled Himself before His Father to accomplish His mission.
We are also called to develop a mind-set that values others above ourselves, esteeming their needs and desires more than our own. Romans 12:10 reminds us to “love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Here we see that true love manifests itself through a willingness to serve others and put their needs and desires before our own agenda.
Additionally, we must cultivate a mindset of sacrifice and obedience. Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered (Hebrews 5:8), and Paul himself followed in Christ’s footsteps (Philippians 3:10). As we follow in their examples, we need to listen to God’s voice and obey His directives, even when it goes against our will or desires.
Finally, we need to choose to fully submit our minds to Christ, allowing Him to transform us through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This requires that we meditate on His word and humble ourselves continually before Him, allowing Him to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and priorities. As we do this, we will become more Christ-like, reflecting His attributes and nature to all whom we encounter.
So today, let us embrace this call to have the mind of Christ, reflecting His love, humility, and sacrificial nature each day. As we do, we can claim the promise of Romans 8:6, that “to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Promise: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”
Prayer: Dear Lord Heavenly Father mighty wonderful God. Lord, as we come before you in prayer, we ask that you help us to embrace the mind of Christ, with all its humility, sacrificial love, and obedience. Remind us continually that our lives are not our own, but have been purchased with the precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We pray that you would transform our minds by your Holy Spirit, renewing our thoughts and actions to reflect your divine attributes. Help us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, pursuing excellence in your Kingdom over worldly standards.
Lord, we pray for the strength to embrace a life of sacrifice, putting others’ needs before our own, as we follow the example of our Lord and Savior. Grant us the grace to show love and kindness to those around us, especially those who may not know you yet, and help us to follow in Christ’s footsteps, even when it requires self-denial.
Finally, Father, we pray for your guidance and direction for our lives, that we may fulfill the unique calling and purpose you have for us. Give us the wisdom to discern your will, and the power to obey it, even when it goes against our own natural inclinations.
We thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness to us, and pray that you will help us embracing the mind of Christ more fully each day. In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray, Amen.
Have a blessed day!