Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Every person that has accepted the call to Christianity, and has surrendered their lives to God has the challenge of eliminating their own ideas, plans, processes and aspirations in exchange for those of the Lord. Because it’s totally counterproductive to utilize your own thinking and at the same time try and incorporate the mind of Christ. Actually it’s impossible. Every fiber of your carnal nature seeks to satisfy itself. From the time you were born, until the day you die, your flesh wants to be fulfilled and placated. And most often that fulfillment is opposite of what God would have us do. So the very beginning of your Christian walk involves readjusting your thinking.
And to our credit, most of us do an incredible job suppressing the urges, eliminating the propensities, and fighting the proclivities that haunt us. The Spirit empowers us, the scriptures encourages us and our brothers and sisters support us in making the correct decisions regarding living for the Lord. In matter of fact, through our fellowships, we’ve created a ‘cultural bubble’ that helps guide us when times get a bit rough. So when the things we want to do get difficult, we have a foundation to run to. Thank you Jesus.
But there’s another side to this coin. The things our flesh wants to do and we don’t allow, is commendable, but not conclusive, because on the other side are the things we never wanted, planned, or particularly dreamed of doing that God is asking us to consider. Now we got a real challenge.
As you look at our scripture this morning you will immediately note the wording that invites us to have the mind of Christ. On the surface that sounds great, but exactly what are we talking about? How can I literally reach the level of selflessness and humility that Jesus reached? Is that even possible? Well, not only is it possible, but it’s vital and necessary.
Perhaps more than any other time in history, the Lord is calling for those willing to step up to the challenge of taking on a world that has virtually become godless. And I’m not just talking about the current lack of moral values and decadence. I’m referring back to the ‘last days’ description of the Church that the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy (2Timothy 3) when there would be a powerless form of godliness, where folk would love pleasure more than God.
And that brings us full circle back to the discussion concerning a Messiah so dedicated and myopically focused on the will of God that not only did he refuse the creature comforts of this world (which were his birthright) but did the most unthinkable, selfless, loving act in the history of mankind. He gave his life for us. Nobody but Jesus. So how are we dealing with that verse again…let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus? Perhaps this may help our understanding.
Jesus was known for being the most loving, kind, generous and giving human alive. He did so many things to prove his love. But remember when he changed his behavior in defense of the defenseless worshippers being robbed and hoodwinked at the temple? Remember how he whipped the money changers and turned over the tables of those that did evil in the sight of the Lord? That was a different side of Jesus that was called for to bring justice, honor and integrity to the temple for worship. That wasn’t who he generally was, but who he had to become to meet the will of his Father. He did WHATEVER IT TOOK !
Dear Children of God, I woke up one morning with a voice in my spirit telling me, “If you’re not willing, then you’re not worthy”. I didn’t immediately understand. But I do now. Following Jesus requires both the humility of Christ to walk among the common folk, with no pretense or attitude, knowing you are a child of God; but also having the intestinal fortitude to turn over the tables of the powerful when they are doing wrong. I can’t be on one side without the other. Neither can you. Let’s do whatever it takes to please the Lord. No cross. No crown.
God bless
