Let This Mind Be in You

When Paul says, "let this mind be also in you which was in Christ Jesus", he was speaking of our relationships. He follows that statement by explaining humility as modeled by Jesus. He, "who being very nature God, did not find equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, became a servant and was made in the likeness of man. He was obedient even to death on a cross". His humility and servanthood through obedience was changed into exaltation and Lordship. How dare WE think that our own humility, servanthood and obedience should result in our own exaltation and glory, this radical reversal; but Jesus Himself said this of us in two passages that I easily found this morning. Wow. Whoever humbles himself will be exalted. This is fellowship, to humble ourselves in order to lift others up. This is what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Jesus did it for us. We are to do it for others. The result of our discipleship, Christ-following, goes beyond verse 8 where we are learning what it means to share in His suffering. We will share in His glory. Paul meant for us to follow this model to its logical conclusion. More than one day in His house as gatekeepers, disciples of Christ (who daily take up their cross and share in His suffering) are promised to share in his Glory as joint heirs. Meanwhile, we are members of a community that is growing in wisdom, strength, confidence, and faith, because we encourage one another, build each other up.

I'm reminded that Jesus said, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." Could it be that the fruit of our discipleship can judged by observing our fellowship? Our empathy? (comfort others with the comfort you, yourself have received from Christ Jesus). Paul does basically say here in Philippians, if you have learned anything at all from Christ, love one another, be of one mind.
© 2003 rod lewis