Mind of Christ

Good Morning,

Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV)
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 (NIV)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

The season for celebrations, "good cheer," bright lights, presents...giving and receiving, singing caroling songs, and the such has come to an end this day after Christmas. I wondered what kind of message the Lord would send my way this morning, to tell you the truth. One of continuation, perhaps? That would be continuation of the love that many of us feel and give because of what God did for us. Of continuing to give? To give more and more carefully to those in need? Many things crossed my mind this morning as I had my coffee and wondered what would come.

Then, these verses were here awaiting me as I opened my computer and read what had been sent to me. I smiled and shook my head as I realized that no better message could possibly come from God than this: Today, and the days that will follow, let us strive and do all possible to have the mind and attitude of Jesus Christ as we live out our lives in obedience to what God asks of us.

Yes, the celebration and "good tidings" of Christmas and the Christmas season are wonderful and, I think, are truly meant for us to enjoy and share with one another...and with the world, as well. I would heartily agree with that. However, as we know and have been told by many, Jesus being born...and thus our celebrations...is just the beginning of His story and the story of salvation for all mankind. We must never lose sight of the fact that this most joyous beginning of God's life on earth, does, indeed, come to a most horrible and painful end for Him. But is also the beginning of another kind, the beginning of forgiveness for man's sinning and the way of salvation.

What better way could we begin another season of our lives than with the mind and attitude of Jesus Christ? What better way could we go from this day on than in obedience to what God wants of us?

Yes, we certainly could take almost every word, or at least every statement, of these verses and expound upon them and try to explain them and go on, and on, and on. Many have done so in the past, so I will certainly not add my meager understanding to more brilliant people than myself.

All that I hear this morning is...the mind of Jesus...His attitude...His obedience.

If we will come upon the days ahead and face them with these thoughts in our minds and hearts then I feel we will be doing exactly what God wants.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David