IS THIS MIND IN YOU?

MEMORIZE: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Philippians 2:6-7

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Revelations 7-8, Proverbs 18

Philippians 2:6 says this: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” The word ‘mind’ in Philippians 2:6 means mindset. What is a mindset? It is a particular way of thinking. “Let this mind (set) be in you,” implies that you currently have a mindset i.e. there is particular way you think or see life. “..., which was also in Christ Jesus,” implies that Jesus, whilst on earth had a mindset too. He had a particular way of thinking. When the Pharisees caught that woman in adultery (John 8:1-10), they saw it as another opportunity to enforce the Law of Moses. However, Jesus saw it as an opportunity to show mercy and give her a second chance- although the woman took it as her last chance. Do you know from that day, she never committed adultery again?

Your current mindset, if you are yet to exchange it with that of Jesus, will frustrate the plan and purpose of God for your life. Virtually everything Jesus achieved - success in ministry, completion of His divine assignment, can be attributed to His mindset. Let us briefly look at one of His mindsets. Philippians 2:6-7 says, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” It is difficult to tell if a sister is truly humble until she gets married. Likewise, it is difficult to tell if a brother is humble until he becomes rich or gets into power. There is an adage, where i come from, which says, “you will never see the true colour of a man until he achieves something.” Humility is a thing of the heart. It is borne out of a particular mindset. Jesus knew who He was. He was God the Son i.e. God. He knew He owned everything. He knew He had the power to kill and to create. Despite all, the bible records that “He made Himself of no reputation.” He deliberately and purposely made Himself of no reputation. He owned all the gold in the world, yet He never wore a single gold ring not to talk of wearing a big chain with a massive gold cross or pendant. (I am not saying gold is a taboo for believers, if it was so, God would not have tarred the streets of heaven with gold). He was the King of kings, yet He walked around the streets of Judea on foot. He had no bodyguards or protocol officers swarming around Him. Despite all He had, He made himself like a normal man. He sat on the grass to teach people. He touched lepers. He ate with normal people. Looking at Jesus, it was difficult to tell if He was rich or not. He was the Teacher of teachers, yet He never gave Himself any title. One of His creations called Him by name, Jesus, the son of David, and He did not get angry. If you forget to put Dr before the names of some people with Doctorate degree, they will eat you raw. If you mistakenly address some men of God as brothers, you are dead!

QUESTION: Friend, do you have the mind of Christ? If Jesus, the Possessor of heaven and earth, is humble, what is our excuse for being proud? You have sworn to show that fellow who offended you. Would Christ do that?

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me the mind of Christ.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.