"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus" Phil 2:5 NIV
In Philippians 2:5, we are encouraged to have the same mindset as Jesus Christ, who even though he was God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or behold. It says he made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, he humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Jesus Christ through his actions, attitudes and interaction with everyone exhibited specific mindsets. As believers, being like-minded or having the same mindset as Christ means thinking, believing, behaving just the same way Christ would in every situation. Let’s take a look at some of these Christ mindsets.
Mindset of Humility
Firstly, Jesus Christ never considered equality with God as something to be used to his own advantage. It takes a lot of humility to have God like powers and not use them especially during trying circumstances and situations. For example, when he was being persecuted and tortured by the Roman soldiers or while he was jeered by people. He never once asked God to send judgement or punishment on those who persecuted him.
It is also important to note that even though it said Jesus made himself of no reputation, he did not think less of himself. Often people think being humble means putting yourself down. CS Lewis described Humility as – “not thinking less of oneself but thinking of oneself less”. Because Jesus knew his identity, his position and authority in God, he was able to humble himself and serve others.
Pride on the other hand is the mind-set of putting others down or thinking you are better than others. Even though we may not act or show pride in a general sense of being puffed up, we can often exhibit pride in other areas. For example, there is intellectual pride - thinking we are more intelligent than others; spiritual pride - thinking we more spiritual; personal pride – feeling we have more access to the good things in life compared to others.
Mindset of Being Dependence on God
In John 6 :38 its says “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” Christ’s entire mindset was to do God will. Jesus would always think... this is a situation in front of me. What would the Father have me do...?
This mindset of being totally dependent on God's also means we give God the right to interrupt our routines and programs. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Levite and Priest refused to stop to help the injured person because they did not want to interrupt their routines. Having a Christ mind set is always being ready to allow the Holy Spirit to interrupt us, correct us and guide us.
Mindset of Obedience to God
Jesus Christ was obedient unto death. Having an obedience mindset is essential in our work with God. When we compare two kings in the bible, Saul and David, both were anointed by God. However, Saul lost his kingship mainly because of his disobedience. God commended and honoured David because of his obedience.
Mindset of Service
This is one of the primary mindsets and focus of Jesus Christ ministry. Jesus lived a life of service to God and mankind. His thought processes and actions were always one of how he could serve others. Mark 10:45 says “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This mindset of service is shown in everything Christ he did.
Mindset of Faith in God’s word
Jesus Christ did not look at the circumstances or situation before he acted. Jesus always acted and responded to situations from a place of faith rather than natural response. A few examples include healing people with incurable diseases, raising the dead and calming the storm. Having a Christ’s mindset of faith means not focusing on the facts of what we can see but on what the word of God says concerning the situation.
Mindset of Love and Compassion
John 3:16 says “God so love the word that he gave his only beggotton son.. that who so ever believe in Him will have everlasting life.” Matthew 14:14 says “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick”.
Jesus Christ’s desire to heal and help always came out of his love and compassion for others.
Conclusion
It is often said that the sky is the limit. However, one thing which can stop us from “reaching the sky” is clearly our mindset. A lot of things holding us back from walking in a place of breakthrough are tied to our mind and mindset. For example, how you see ourselves, our situations and circumstances, and the role God plays in our life and our situations.
God’s desire for us is to have the same mind as Christ. Jesus Christ came not just to redeem us but also to model the way and manner we should think and live.
Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”.
The first step to having a mindset of Christ is easy. All it takes is asking God for it.
