The Mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8)

Thinking that exalts self over God and others is defined never more perfectly than in the Devil's epitaph;

"I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14)

Selfishness, egotism, arrogance and prejudice all come from pride.  It is this pride that brings destruction to relationships, first with God and secondly with our fellow man.  It was this pride that damned the Devil and destroyed his relationship with God and the same that destroyed mans fellowship with God and each other.

Jesus Christ is the only solution to this problem of prideful self absorbed thinking as He is the only example of perfect selfless love and humility. Scripture demands we are to take upon ourselves the same thinking and through doing so that we can have perfect unity.

"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
(Philippians 2:2-4)

This mindset of selflessness is the mind of Christ.  If God has given us faith we must now take on this mindset of humility;

"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."
(Philippians 2:5-8)

Fellowship with God and each other has come to us as a result of the Gospel, but only to the extent we have taken upon ourselves the mind of Christ.  There is no room for pride in God's kingdom because only humble hearts can accept God's gift of amazing grace.  As God has shown us His grace we are to live out this grace in Christ centered community.


"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)


"Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another.  Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.  Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:15-16)

~Selah