THE RIGHT MINDSET

Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.  (Philippines 2:5)

This verse begins a beautiful description of Christ’s descent to planet Earth, as recorded by the Apostle Paul, to share our shame and sorrow so that it might become a living impulse and inspiration to us, to not look upon our own things, not to hold them with a tight fist, but to be willing to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ, who became the instrument through which God created His redeeming purpose.

Guided by the Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul opens the compasses of his imagination and faith, and places the one point upon the throne of the Eternal God, and the other upon the Cross of shame where Jesus died, and shows us the steps by which He approached nearer and nearer to human need and sin; that, having embraced us in our low estate, He might carry us back with Himself to the throne of God; and that by identifying Himself with our sin and sorrow, He might ultimately identify us with the glory that He had with the Father before the world was.

 "Let this mind be in you." Kepler, the great astronomer, said, when turning his telescope to the stars: "I am thinking over again the first thoughts of God." But we can think earlier thoughts than have been written by the finger of God on the heavens and earth. We are able to think some of the thoughts that filled the heart of Jesus, when, before the foundation of the world, He stood forth as the Lamb to be slain.

The Apostle encourages us to think as Jesus thought; do not look exclusively upon our own interests; do not count anything of our own, worthy to stand in the way, but always be prepared to deny ourselves so that through us God's redeeming love may pass to those that need His help. We must be willing to lay aside ambition and glory that we may be the better able to comfort others. There is no other way to sit with Jesus on His throne; no other method of assisting Him in His great mission. Many who would sit on the right and left hand of His throne will never reach it, because they refuse to bear His cross, to submit to shame and spitting, to misunderstanding and hatred. We must take the low seat, do the unnoticed tasks, refuse the honor which comes from human lips, or we can never be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man.

PRAYER

We ask, O Lord, that we may be so filled with these thoughts throughout the day, that our earthly life may be inspired with the spirit of Heaven. May we conduct our business as those who have seen the face of God, and with the heavenly light shining upon our faces.  In Jesus name we ask it. AMEN.

God’s Daily Promise

Promise #2:
I am full of mercy and grace and I overflow with love. 

Psalm 103:8 (WEB)
Yahweh is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.