Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:5
Between 397 and 400 A.D., Augustine of Hippo wrote several books and lessons, including his Confessions, in which he declared that the imitation of Christ was “the fundamental purpose of Christian life.” Thomas à Kempis later discussed this in The Imitation of Christ in the early 15th century. The C.S. Lewis Institute states that this à Kempis devotional book has endured the test of time because “it calls us to look away from our self-sufficiency to God who is all sufficient, then to look back with transformed vision to a world in need where service replaces self-seeking.” Summarizing the quotes of great theologians, imitating Christ is “loving God and serving Him by loving others.” This is what Jesus instructed His followers to do in Matthew 12!
Texas Pastor Shawn Thomas stated that the problem many Christians have is that they are trying to imitate someone other than Jesus. He suggests you begin by adopting the same attitudes Jesus had—particularly toward others. C.S. Lewis said when it comes to imitating Christ, you come to a point where the real Son of God is beside you, slowly transforming you into being more like Him.
The process of developing the “mind of Christ“ requires discipline and commitment on the part of the believer. Seek to be attentive to the Holy Spirit as He guides you through the act of loving. Then, pray that government officials would learn the practice of imitating Jesus by looking to the needs of others ahead of themselves.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 2:5
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 2:1-11
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
