Philippians 2:5: Have This Mind Among Yourselves

Philippians 2:5
[5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (ESV)

Sometimes we read a verse of Scripture and we are overwhelmed with what seems like an impossibility for us to follow it. We are told here to have the same mind as Christ Jesus. Paul, in the preceding verses has described how we are to consider others greater than ourselves and to care for one another. That is Christ-like behavior. How does the behavior happen? It starts with our thinking.

Our thinking will dictate our actions. If I view my fellow man with hatred and contempt there is no way I will reach out to him with the love of Christ. I have to think like Christ would think. In the following verses the Apostle Paul will define more specifically just what Christ's character is like. The more that we are like him the more that we will do what he wants us to do.

Now, before we look at all of the specific statements about the wonderful character and nature of Christ I want to give you some encouragement. We are asked to have the mind of Christ. But we are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to do what we have been asked to do. We have a new nature. As we yield to the Spirit's power we will  be able to have the mind of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (ESV)

As we consider how we are to think like Christ, remember that we are a new creation. The new man in Christ has the power of the Holy Spirit to help him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to think like Christ.