by Magdalene Victor.
Apostle Paul described the mindset of Christ Jesus in Philippians 2:1-11. Firstly, he urged the Church at Philippi to have the same mindset/attitude that Jesus had by emphasizing that although Jesus was God, He never claimed equality with the Father. Instead, Jesus assumed the lowly position of a servant, a status that no one would be willing to take. Finally, he submitted to the will of the Father by dying a criminal’s death on the cross so that we may be saved.
Jesus embodied selflessness in everything he did. His boundless love for humanity shone through the countless miracles he performed. From turning water into wine at a wedding to healing the sick and feeding thousands in remote places, His actions spoke volumes about His love and compassion (John 2:1-12, 4:43-54, 5:1-1-12, 6:1-16).
Furthermore, we see Jesus’ humility and selflessness in His zeal in preaching the gospel to the lost. For instance, He didn’t let hunger prevent him from preaching the gospel to the Samaritan woman. His response to the disciples affirmed his enthusiasm for the lost.
“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.”
(John 4:34 NKJV).
The lifestyle of one who emulates Christ’s example.
As believers, we’re called to mirror Christ’s example by carrying out the Father’s will, which is to have compassion for lost souls. We show compassion for the lost by preaching the message of salvation to them. That’s why the Bible instructs us always to be prepared to declare the gospel to those walking in darkness, that they too might be saved (Matt 28:19-20; 1 Peter 3:15).
Humility should also be seen in our relationship with one another. When we’re humble, we’ll find it easier to submit to the will of the Father. Remember, the Father desires every believer to have Christ’s mindset of serving others. When this becomes our lifestyle, we will seek the good of our brothers and sisters in Christ without sentiments.
Additionally, humility makes us responsive to correction from God’s word and fellow believers. It empowers us to receive correction from our Pastors and elders without complaining and murmuring (in the open or in private).
Sadly, in today’s world, many young people detest correction, making it akin to piercing their hearts with a nail when attempting to correct them. But as believers, we shouldn’t have such a mindset. Rather, we must be humble and willing to receive correction so that we may grow into maturity and fulfil God’s perfect will for our lives.
Finally, believers with the mindset of Jesus Christ easily express God’s love. Since God is love and He lives in us, we as believers should embody God’s love on earth (1 John 4:7-12; Romans 5:5).
Paul described God’s kind of love clearly in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. In verses 1 -3, he outlines the futility of living or serving others without love. Then, in verses 4-7, he goes on to say,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7(NIV)
We can love others the way God has called us to love if we have the mindset of Christ Jesus. And we need not fear that we can’t because we who are born of God have his power working in us both to will and to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13).
REFERENCES:
New International Version, Philippians 2:5 and 1 Corinthian 13:1-7
New King James Version, John 4:34
