Have This Mind

Yesterday I talked about the problem of "self" for the believer. The natural human perspective is, "What's in it for me?" It's almost impossible to think otherwise and it takes a great deal of effort to change that mode. Even when we're being altruistic, we're generally doing it because ... it makes us feel good about ourselves. But Scripture calls for a different mindset. Paul writes, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Php 2:3-4). Not "selfishness." Instead "regard one another as more important than yourself."

At this point, Paul launches into his, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" text (Php 2:5). What mind? What attitude? Well, humility, of course, but examine exactly how that works.

[Christ], although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Php 2:6-8)

We'll nod and say, "That's marvelous!", but ... do we see how big it is? We consider ourselves pretty important. Jesus was "in the form of God." That's as important as it gets. But He didn't think that needed to be held onto too tightly. He "emptied Himself." Paul says you and I need to have that mindset. How far did He "empty Himself"? He took on flesh. He took on servitude. He took on slavery. He took on obedience. He took on ... death ... on a cross. The King of kings and Lord of lords ... emptied Himself. Now ... you ... think like that.

Frankly, I can't imagine a world, a people, a person who actually does that. We approach relationships and choices and life from the "What about me?" attitude. It's human nature and we don't even think about what we're thinking about. We just ... do. Jesus didn't stop being "in the form of God" ... He didn't stop being God. And we're not asked to stop being people of value. What He did was set aside His prerogatives, His very real rights and privileges, and ... set ... self ... aside. He didn't become less; He elevated everyone else. He didn't cease to be "Lord" (Php 2:9-11). He just ... saved us ... at great cost to Himself and for our benefit. Imagine if we had that mind, that attitude, where giving up self for the sake of God and those around us was our way of life rather than the rare exception that slips through from time to time.