“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:5
As Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Lk. 18:27).
Was there ever a promise given by our Lord more needed than this one for today’s Manna? In describing the character and conduct of Christ (Phil. 2:1-8), Paul almost nonchalantly says “Let this mind be in your, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Didn’t he know our minds are at “enmity with God” from birth (Rom. 8:7)? Of course he did, for he’s the one who wrote those words in Romans. He’s also the one who talked about our being “transformed by the renewing of our mind” (Rom. 12:2) and “casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Cor. 10:5).
So, yes, he knew very well the difficulty—yea, the impossibility—of “having the mind of Christ.”
But, that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in and our being “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20).
In reality, it’s impossible to think the way Jesus does. . .to look at others the way He does. . . to “love our enemies, turn the other cheek and walk the second mile”. . .to always be in tune with the Heavenly Father’s Voice and responsive to His Will. . .in our own strength. No matter how much we try to “imitate” Him, we still fall short. Miserably short.
How, then, can we “let this mind be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus”?
Again, the answer is “By daily dying to self.”
And, how do we do that?
But, conscious, intentional, absolute surrender. . .where we’re “still and know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10). . .by “hiding His Word in our heart” (Ps. 119:11). . .and allowing Jesus to be Himself in us (Col. 1:27).
When we’re serious about this, He’ll begin to quietly whisper, “No, I wouldn’t do that” or “No, I wouldn’t say that” when we’re about to operate in our own strength. Slowly, but surely, He’ll begin to help us look at others differently—seeing them with eyes of compassion and someone for whom He died on the Cross.
As this inward transformation begins, we’ll find ourselves acting more and more the way He would (Phil. 2:6-8). Instead of trying to build a big reputation and impressive resume, we’ll find ourselves assuming more servant roles (v.7). Likewise, when others’ words and deeds prick us, instead of getting huffy and wanting to retaliate, we “humble ourselves and become obedient even as He was when He went to the Cross” (v.8).
Do not become perplexed or disillusioned when your view of things (a Biblical worldview) doesn’t jive with the world’s. This is their home, not yours (Phil. 3:20-21; Heb. 11:13). So, further His Kingdom Work the best you can and see how many you can take with you when the Trumpet sounds and the Lord comes for His own.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated November 22, 2009
