Love like Jesus does
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus… (Philippians 2:2-5)
Some times I make the mistake of thinking my faith is ‘in here’, when the Scriptures and the Spirit keep telling me it’s ‘out there’: how I relate to people all around me. Paul took a trip ‘out there’ when he visited Philippi (Acts 16). Wherever Paul went he gave both great spiritual teaching and a great personal example. Here he is pretty much describing his approach to relationships. He’s describing Jesus perfectly — which is the whole point. About how many people could you say: ‘we are “one in spirit and of one mind” ‘? Anyone? Well, that’s what Paul is saying should be the byproduct of being “united with Christ.” We don’t become united when we win somebody over to our point of view, but when both share the commonly available thoughts and attitudes of Jesus toward people. I love the way this translation uses the word “mindset”. Your mind and mine have many settings, and most of time they’re not on the right setting. Set your mind on Jesus’ way and humbly love and serve the people you encounter all this week.
Lord, I want your mindset, even though it will cost me all kinds of change. Help me focus out-there with your eyes and work as your hands and feet and tongue. Amen.
