the mind of christ: humility

In Paul's letter to the Philippians he charges them to "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus..." Philippians 2:5 I would like to take a few blogs and discuss what the mind of Christ is and how to obtain it. In this discussion it is important to understand a couple of points. First, this letter is written to a local church in Phillipi, so we need to apply it to the local church and it's members. Also, it is the responsibility of the individual members of the church to have this mind which in turn shapes the view of the church. So since we understand those points, let's look at Paul's letter to discover a tiny, but essential piece of the mind of Christ: Humility. Paul calls us to have the entire mind of Christ. How can he expect us to have the mind of the almighty Creator?! What a daunting task. So, let's try and get break this down. Unpack it, if you will. The characteristics and specifics that make up the mind of Jesus are legion. There is no way that we as humans in the fallen state can understand every angle and corner in God's mind. However, we have some general insight through the person of Jesus Christ. Paul continues his thought with these words, "... who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:6-7 This is a very exciting verse because it explains the even though Jesus was God he did not use his omnipotence and took on the restrains of the flesh. Therefore we know that we too can have the mind of Christ, because even though he was God he didn't use his power as God. If he didn't use his power, he had to rely on the Holy Spirit to know the will of God. We as believers have the Holy Spirit within us, so we are able to know the will and mind of God! However, through this we see the characteristic of Christ I would like to discuss today: Christ is our perfect example of humility. Jesus created the heavens and the earth: "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1:4 Yet, he came to earth as a man and lived a life in human form. He became one of his created, not only that but Jesus obeys his creation which eventually leads to his crucifixion. In Mark 4, the story of Christ being left in Jerusalem of the Passover feast gives us a display of great humility on the part of Christ. When his parents realized they had left him they went to find him and when they did they began to scold them. Christ could have told Mary off and explained to her how he knew the number of hairs on her head, but instead he obeyed her. Not only that but the Passover feast was a celebration of the coming of the Messiah, so Jesus went yearly to the celebration of his own death on the cross. Our almighty Creator God died as one of his creation, to save his creation. There is no other religion in the world with a God that loves like that. So, if Christ is our example of humility, how do we apply his example to our lives? We can't even begin to compare ourselves to God, so Paul helps us out in verses 3 & 4: "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4 In verse 3, Paul talks about acting out of rivalry and conceit. How do we act out of rivalry and conceit today? Here are a few examples I have experienced, in the church each group of believers (youth, senior adults, college, married, singles) feels that they are equally important, which is very true. However, when the budgets don't come out equally for each group they throw temper tantrums because they feel should get just as much money as the other groups. Who are they putting first? Also, it is interesting when groups begin to say that they deserve certain things like money, volunteers, and space. We deserve nothing but death and destruction for our sin! By the grace of Christ do we continue to survive and live! So in verse 3 Paul is teaching us to be unselfish. However that's only half of the story. Verse 4 explains the other, more important half, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 This verse can be a bit confusing at first, because we have just understood Paul to say not to be selfish, then he tells us to look after our own needs. However it is important to understand the deeper message of the verse. Paul understands that as humans we have survival instincts that are going to force us to take care of ourselves. However, we should make just as much effort to love others and look for their interests as we do ourselves. Look is verb that requires action on our part to search out the needs, and ways that we can love others. So, not only must we not be selfish, but we must take the energy that we would normally focus on ourselves and use it as fuel to love others. I fail miserably at this, as do most churches. So what is your church doing to love the community? What other ways could your church be serving the community? How are you being unselfish and loving others? I pray that you and I would be able to embrace the concept that Paul teaches us and be as humble as Christ.

update

Hey guys!

Wow I know its been a long time since i've updated and I just wanted to let you know this blog is not dead. I will be updating sometime this week I have just been really busy. Have a great day!!