Mind of Christ

Sometimes we do not recognize the bad things in our lives until we have something better to compare it to. I alternate running in two pairs of shoes. The other day when running, I noticed my right leg was a little more fatigued than usual. I stopped to stretch it out and continued my run. This week as I was running in the other pair, I noticed how great both legs felt. I realized, after running in the better pair, that the issue was the other shoes. If I had not had a better pair to compare it to, I might still be running in ones that caused the stress and never know it was the shoe causing it.

The best person we can compare everything in our lives to is Jesus. If we try our best to model after the example He set while on this earth in human form, we can know we are living our best lives. It is not always an easy task, but that is why staying in prayerful communication and thankfulness to God is so important. Last week was an emotional week, in a good way. My classes started again, and I am reading a book for class by Gutierrez, 2015, entitled, “Thinking Like Jesus: Understanding the Mind of Christ,” that focuses on Philippians 2:2-4. It has really touched me and given me yet another new perspective on being more like Jesus.

It encourages us to share with our friends and family- so here goes.

In a very relatable, practical application, that simplifies how to live out the mind of Christ within these passages. We sometimes may think that we are not capable or apt enough to apply and explain it, but this book has turned these verses into a simple checklist that we can measure in our own lives to see if we are living out the mind of Christ and if not, how to do just that.

Living out the mind of Christ is a three-fold mind-set: unity, humility, and selflessness. The word ‘mind’ in these passages means attitude or thinking. Which implies ‘action’ is needed. We must change our thinking to have the Mind of Christ. Circumstances never change a heart. They can only provide the environment in which a change of heart takes place.

The checklist:

Unity:

• Affection
  • Love one another (reflecting the mind and example of Christ)
• Spirit
  • In one accord (A deep commitment of love and know others)
• Purpose
  • Keeping our focus on the reason why we are serving (Christ-centered, God-filled work)

Humility:

• Not promoting self or stealing the Glory of God; The enemy of humility is pride- it is wise to acknowledge the daily safeguards that we must implement to protect us from our flesh.
• It is not our words that reflect the attitude of humility rather the heart behind the words

Selflessness:

• Not just one action but a continual/intentional action of support to others through spiritual and physical needs.

I realize I cannot put every great point in this one little blog post, but I hope you are able to take something away that helps you live out the Mind of Christ in your life. I encourage you to take time to meditate on these verses and ask God to reveal any areas in your life that could use some change of attitude towards others and help you think more like Jesus. We can begin by asking for forgiveness of our sins, so we can have a heart that acknowledges our need for Jesus, so we can experience true, God-honoring praise.

“Fulfill my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, [being] 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 we in you which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:2-5