Philippians 2:5-11
Reflect
In our passage today, verse 5 builds on the previous verses. The characteristics that Paul is extolling the Philippians to possess are those that Christ exemplified to the highest degree. And so, verse 5 in a direct translation of the Greek begins, “This mind be in you which also [is] in Christ…”
Does it ever stun you that Paul instructs us to have the mind of Christ? Jesus, fully God and present before the creation of the world (John 1:1-3) willingly chose “to make himself nothing.” We are to think this way! Humanity is always trying to make itself something; grasping for greatness, grasping for wealth, grasping for security, grasping for health, grasping for happiness. What are you grasping for? In this passage, I hear Paul saying “Can you stop it already? Consider Christ!”
Consider Christ, friends. What other king leaves his throne, his limitless power and resources to get down into our muck and mire and willingly dies a tortured death? When you and I consider Christ, what worries, fears, issues, challenges suddenly become insignificant?
Now, I do want to be clear: we are not insignificant to Christ and He tenderly cares for our concerns. But far too often my concerns are magnified instead of Christ being magnified. Paul helps us “right-size” those things. Today, make a note of where you need to have the mind of Christ.
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.