Having the Mind of Christ

As we continue in our series on Jesus, we learn today that we are to have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 says, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…” (NASB 1995) What is the attitude of Christ? Well, the Apostle Paul tells us. As we read the beginning of chapter two, Paul tells the Philippians that they are to have the same love, unity, humility, compassion, encouragement, and fellowship just as Jesus did toward others. That was His attitude.

He put others before Himself, He encouraged those around Him, He loved them even though they didn’t love Him. He showed compassion, unconditional love, and encouraged unity and fellowship among the disciples and those who became Believers, showing them how to have one purpose of mind and spirit. Paul is encouraging the Philippians to be just like Jesus!

Our actions and attitudes are to be like His. He is our example. Paul tells us we are to be imitators of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 11:1) John emphasized this as well, “Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:6 ESV) We are to follow His lead, have the same attitude toward others as He had and walk out our faith as He showed us by example.

We are to have compassion for others, putting their needs before our own. Verse four tells us, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NASB 1995) However, we are not to be so involved in their lives that we become busybodies and interfere in their walk with the Lord. Albert Barnes, in his commentary on Philippians says, “That is, be not selfish. Do not let your care and attention be wholly absorbed by your own concerns, or by the concerns of your own family. Evince a tender interest for the happiness of the whole, and let the welfare of others lie near your hearts. This, of course, does not mean that there is to be any improper interference in the business of others, or that we are to have the character of ‘busy-bodies in other people‘s matters’… but that we are to regard with appropriate solicitude the welfare of others, and to strive to do them good.” Jesus was involved in the lives of those around them to the extent that He showed compassion on their situations and helped them, but He didn’t make a nuisance of Himself in their lives. He allowed them to be individuals, just as they were created. Jesus’ mind was that of humility. We are to have humbleness of mind. We are not to be full of pride, like we are more important than anyone else and demand our own way. No, we are to do everything with the attitude of humility.

We should examine ourselves. Do we have the mind of Christ? Are we exhibiting the same attitudes? Do our actions show Jesus is living in us and influencing our behavior and thinking? If not, now is the time to go to Him and ask for His help, confess our sins and repent. He will show His compassion, forgive us and be there to show us how.