The Mind of Christ Among You

When I wrote to Philippi, I had already urged you to stand firm, side by side, striving together for the faith (Philippians 1:27). Now I press deeper — into how you hold yourselves toward one another. I begin by piling up the mercies you already possess: "if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy" (Philippians 2:1). These are not "ifs" of doubt but of certainty — you have these things. And because you have them, my joy hangs on one thing: "complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Philippians 2:2).

How is such unity kept? Not by everyone getting their way. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Hear that word count — it is a decision of the mind, not a feeling that must first arrive. You look to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4) whether or not you feel like it, because you have chosen to reckon them worthy of your care.

And then I set before you the pattern, who is more than a pattern: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). See how far down he came. He "was in the form of God" yet "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7). The one who owed nothing took the place of a slave; the deathless One "became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). That is the length of the descent — from the throne to the nails. This is the mind I am asking you to have: a love that stoops.

But the descent is not the end. "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9), that every knee should bow and every tongue confess "that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11). This is how the kingdom moves — down, then up; the one who humbles himself is the one God lifts. So do not fear the low place. When you yield your right, absorb an offense, put another's need before your own comfort, you are not losing yourself — you are walking the very road your Lord walked, and the God who raised him will not forget you at the bottom of it.

So today, look for the low place, and take it. Count someone more significant than yourself before the sun sets — and let the mind of Christ, who came down for you, be plainly seen in you. Grace and peace to you.