A Mindset to Follow

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5-11 describes Christ's example of humility as he emptied himself of his divine rights and privileges and made himself of no reputation.  By rights, Jesus could have demanded that every knee bow to his authority.  Instead, he suffered and died at the hands of wicked men in order that our response to him would be out of love, no coercion.  He was willing to renounce his heavenly citizenship for an earthly one.  Now he asks his followers to do just the opposite!

What price are you willing to pay today to follow in his footsteps?  Are you willing to be inconvenienced by someone who calls or drops by unannounced with a need for your time and attention?  Are you willing to rearrange your priorities in order to serve the needs of someone else?  Are you willing to use money you were saving for a personal purchase to meet someone else's need?

Taking the form of a servant may not earn you any applause or fanfare, but it will demonstrate that you are serious about having the mind of Christ.  And perhaps you will agree that that's definitely the mind to have!