By Wendy Wood
God, in His Word, tells us to pay attention to our thoughts and even commands us about what our thoughts should be (Hebrews 4:12, Philippians 4:8, Proverbs 4:23). God tells us this because what we are thinking about will greatly determine the words and actions that come out of us. Jesus said that what comes out of the mouth originates in the heart (Matthew 15:18). So, as I was reading Philippians 2 in the past few weeks, I was again struck by the command to ‘Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Paul has just told us to do nothing for selfish gain but to humble ourselves and consider others worthy of serving and loving. It is easy to agree with Scripture, after all, it is God’s breathed out Word. But it is much harder to stop and think about how to live this out. Thankfully, God provides what we need to be able to live this way!
This “mind… is yours in Christ Jesus”. Paul shows us how Jesus first lived this out as an example for us. Jesus was in the form of God but did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Jesus was equal with God. He is the exact imprint of the nature of God (Hebrews 1:3) But, he didn’t “grasp” it. He didn’t have a tight grip on his status that he refused to let go of. He didn’t cling to being God so tightly that he refused to serve and descend to meet people where they were. No! Jesus willingly let go of his status so that he could serve. Jesus humbled himself and took the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man. Paul repeats the same words he has just commanded us to do with “count” and “humble”. Paul is linking what we are called to do with what Jesus did. Jesus had to be both the true Son of God and human to be the perfect sacrifice and atonement for our sins. Jesus humbled himself. He willingly lowered himself to human and servant status and demonstrated the highest form of counting others more significant by being obedient to death on the cross. This is an example for us to follow. When we are commanded to count others more significant than ourselves, we are not to find people who we think are “below” us in status or importance or the roles we have. We are to willingly choose to humble and lower ourselves and serve others at great cost to ourselves, just like Jesus did.
But, Jesus was much more than an example. He is the grace that enables us to live this way. We cannot will-power our way into loving others this way. If you try to do this on our own, we will be exhausted, frustrated and bitter. This “mind… is yours in Christ Jesus”. Jesus didn’t stay dead when he was obedient to death on the cross. “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation is the power that his Spirit gives us when we are in relationship with Him by grace through faith. When we are content in Christ we can serve others well. Paul showed us this in Philippians 4:12-13 when he said, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Doing “all things” refers to being content in Christ. Only when we are content with God’s love and grace in our lives can we willingly give up status to humble ourselves. We also have the promise that God exalts the humble. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” God encourages us to look forward to the reward he offers! God notices and repays those who choose to humble themselves to love and serve others.
So, what is your mindset? Do you look at those around you and consider their needs ahead of your own? Where do you need to count others more significant than yourself and humble yourself to serve? Are you a boss at work but like to keep your hands clean and not help out wherever is needed? Do you like to lead at home by giving commands rather than being a servant and doing the work yourself? Do you like to keep track of how much your spouse does to serve you and make sure it feels equal? Take some time and ask God to reveal where you need to grow in willingly humbling yourself and counting others worthy of your service.