Philippians 2:5 encourages us: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” By this exhortation, Paul means for us “to have an understanding, to be wise, to direct our minds to something, to seek or strive for.” Paul sought to get men to bring their thoughts into captivity to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
The heart or mind is the “control center” of life and conduct (Prov. 4:23; 23:7). If Jesus Christ controls our life, He must be the Lord (ruler) of the mind.
Christ had the spirit or mind of humility. He lived an humble life (Phil. 2:5-8). He taught humility (Matt. 18:1-4). We should be as a little child. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). This attitude is vividly seen in the tearful prayer in the shadow of the cross in Luke 22:42: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Paul further taught on humility. Romans 12:3 exhorts: “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.” Also in Ephesians 4:32, he tells Christians: “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Peter, too, was cognizant of the importance of humility. He writes: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
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Finally, Jesus had the spirit or mind of forgiveness. He taught forgiveness. He taught us to forgive our enemies (Matt. 5:43-44) and He taught us how often to forgive (Mat. 18:21-22). He also demonstrated forgiveness. Peter denied Christ but Christ forgave him (Mark 16:7). Jesus also publicly forgave His enemies (Luke 23:34).
Let us strive to emulate the spirit of the mind of Christ. “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1).
The late Wayne Holland
from a sermon preached in Hayesville, NC (1/30/83)
Roxboro, NC (4/1/90)
Henderson, NC (10/20/96)
