March 22, 2018
Philippians 2:5-11…“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave…” vss. 5-7a
There is no doubt that Paul considered Christ Jesus as an object of worship. Indeed, he hoped that all humanity would one day bow down and give him praise and glory. But he also believed that Jesus was a model for faithful living, here praying that the Philippians would adopt the mind of Christ as they related to the world. Paul is particularly impressed by the fact that Jesus voluntarily lived in this world as a slave rather than as a lord. In Paul’s words, he had emptied himself and he had surrendered all of his claims to privilege and glory, in order to live as a human being. But more than that, he chose the path of servanthood rather than that of domination and power. It’s when we do that, when we gladly offer ourselves as servants to others, that his mind is in us and we become the light of Christ for others. Self-surrender is never easy–but it is essential if we are ever going to achieve our full potential. It’s at that point of giving up, that the Holy Spirit can begin the work of transformation and others will see the mind of Christ in our words and actions.
Thought for the Day: Signs that the mind of Christ is in me.
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