The Evangelist’s Pen

"Having the Mind of Christ"

Please read Philippians 2:1-16 in preparation for reading and comprehending this lesson.

The Word says to let, to allow, permit, invite or encourage this same or similar mind (mindset) be in you which was in Christ Jesus. The mind that was in Him when He was Himself a man and, though He was God, and the express image in the flesh, of all that is God. Yet He, in His (then) present condition was indeed a man. He decided, accepted, determined and carried through His decision to be nobody. Just a servant. He could have been rich and powerful as a king, president or prime minister, but it was expedient for us that He be a suffering servant! He obeyed. He conformed to the predetermined will of the Father! Because it was the best, the highest thing to do. It did not bring Him fame, fortune or popularity – immediately. But, He endured in the now that He might be exalted then! He chose the greatest gain, the highest yield, the most glorious honor and victory, though He had accepted a lesser role and seeming defeat, at present, to get there!

You have no power in yourself to accomplish the same. But, if you look to Him, He will let His mind (mindset) become yours. It is God that works (present perfect tense, continuously works) in you, both to will and to work.

Therefore, possessing the secret, being on the inside track, having knowledge which others do not possess (although they may receive it just as freely), don’t complain, argue, try to “beat out others,” or “lord it over them.” There is no need to try to be the “head cheese.” Because, if you truly assimilate the mind (mindset) of Christ and make it your own, along with the commensurate humility, your ultimate glory will be all the brighter, your victory all the stronger and your joy all the fuller.

To accomplish all of this, to really have the mind of Christ, is to subjugate all of these to this one thing – that you might shine so bright that you will bring others to the same level of fulfillment!

Right where you are:  Shine!  Shine!!  Shine!!!

Don’t glare – shine!

Don’t glow – shine!

Hold forth the Word!

Don’t glorify yourself, but rather glorify Him.

Don’t win arguments – present Jesus!

Don’t coddle – convict!

Don’t hide your light – let it shine openly for all to see!!