THE MIND OF CHRIST.
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Php_2:5). The mind of Christ has been a mystery in every age. It is expected that all Christ’s followers should have the same disposition as their Master. "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (Joh_13:15). Features of Christ’s mind.
I. Resignation. "Not My will, but Thine be done" (Luk_22:42). This is the foundation of true Christian character. Willing to be absent from the body of self-interest and to be present with the will of God. Seeking not our own will, but the will of our Father (Joh_5:30). "Even Christ pleased not Himself" (Rom_15:3). "I delight to do Thy will, O my God." Submit thyself unto God.
II. Devotedness. "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?" (Luk_2:42). His Father’s business was the highest and most important concern in the world. He was fully devoted to "work the works of Him that sent Me." His meat was to do His will and to finish His work (Joh_4:34). What a privilege to be a partner in such a business and to be "workers together" with Him in the fulfilling of the Father’s purpose. Let this mind be in you which was also in Him.
III. Meekness. "I am meek and lowly in heart" (Mat_11:29). Where this Christ-likeness is lacking there is suitable soil for the growth of pride and presumption, selfishness, envy, covetousness, high-mindedness, and the love of pleasure more than the love of God. We find Paul beseeching believers by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2Co_10:1). He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant (Php_2:7). Let this mind be in you. "Blessed are the meek," they shall inherit (Mat_5:5). They shall be guided and taught His way (Psa_25:9). They shall increase their joy in the Lord (Isa_29:19). They shall find rest in His service (Mat_11:29).
IV. Prayerfulness. Christ was the busiest man on earth, but He always found time to pray, and sometimes continued all night in prayer (Luk_6:12). He was emphatically "the Man of Prayer." He prayed (Mar_1:35; Luk_5:16; Luk_6:12; Luk_9:28-29; Joh_11:41; Joh_17:1; Mat_26:36-39; Heb_5:7-9). These are only recorded prayers. He never was out of fellowship with His Father. His whole life was one long, unbroken intercession. "Let this mind be in you." "Pray without ceasing."
V. Sympathy. "Jesus wept." He saw Mary weeping. He also wept (Joh_11:33-35). When He beheld the city He wept over it (Luk_19:41). He, as our High Priest, is touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Heb_4:15). We are also taught to "weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice." The grace of God never saves us from human brotherliness. Let this mind be in you.
VI. Grief at the Unbelief of Others. He looked round about on the staring and sceptical crowd, and was "grieved for the hardness of their hearts" (Mar_3:5). He knew their need and also His own ability to help them, and grieved at their madness in committing spiritual suicide. As Christian workers we know the need of the unsaved, and we also know the remedy. Does this unbelief touch our hearts with real sorrow? Is this disposition in us?
VII. Benevolence. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, who went about doing good" (Act_10:38). The great purpose of His life was to show kindness and to offer help. To accomplish this He was constantly "going about" looking for opportunities to show the "kindness of God." What a power the Church of God would be if all belonging to it were possessed with this mind. Let this mind be in you for this is the highest ideal in Christian living.
Autor: James Smith