Philippians 2 is a glimpse of how the Lord Jesus is fully God, positionally being at the Father’s right hand, and intimately knowing man’s vile, sinful flesh, yet lovingly resolved to be our Redeemer and Savior. He became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), taking the Father’s wrath, and offering Himself to pay our sin debt at Calvary. This humble sacrifice was driven by His immeasurable love: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) Paul relays in this chapter his desire for the Philippians to continue to mature and be unified in their thinking and daily living. The attaining of the mind of Christ profoundly exceeds human capability. Learning the sanctification process in Romans 6-8 enables us to be led by the Spirit and to develop His mind so that we can live resurrection life.
At the center of functioning as who God made us, is thinking and functioning with Christ’s heart and mind. We’re to encourage and edify one another to be unified, “…having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Phil. 2:2) The resultant outworking is developing a humble mindset, not focused on the flesh, arguing, nor self-centered, but serving in godliness, preferring one another in love. Christ’s heart, mind, and life is magnified in us as we dwell on the doctrine through the day, which leads our thinking. God’s desire: “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. Laying up for store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (I Tim.6:18-19)
Reflect: How can this assist us in our roles as women? In every relationship we can have an impact as God integrates Christ’s mind into our thinking, and thus each circumstance. Life has its ups and downs, challenges, and unexpected difficulties. However, we can humbly walk by faith, tap into the Word stored within us, and in love be a living sacrifice in whatever challenge or interaction that faces us. (Rom 12:1-2) As we set our affection above (Col. 3: 1-4), our thoughts and desires will be that of Christ’s, with great opportunity: “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” (I Cor. 9:19) Think on this and make needed changes!
