The Mind of Christ

Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, counted it not a thing to be grasped, to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. Phil. 2:5,6,7.

I. Christ’s attitude of mind towards position

He, “being in the form of God” (or ‘being originally’ in the form of God), counted it not a prize (or ‘a thing to be grasped’), to be on an equality with God. This describes His mind-attitude toward what we call “leadership” and “position.” There was no grasping of His “position.” Of course, He was God and did not need to grasp the fact—indeed, He is God. But we find, in Him, the exact opposite to the earthly mind, with its love of power and position and headship. His attitude to power, headship and leadership was an attitude of not grasping it. It was said of Him: “Is not this the Carpenter?” In His life on earth, He was truly free from grasping the things that men grasp.

II. Christ’s mind-attitude towards riches

“He emptied Himself”—He set no value upon riches. He “became poor that we through His poverty might become rich.” Again, we find the exact opposite to the earthly mind, with its love of riches.

You may have “position” and “riches”—but you must have them, so to speak, as if you did not possess them (see 1 Cor. 8:30-31). Your mind must be in the right attitude in all things.

If God has given you “leadership” and authority, what is the attitude of your mind toward it? Do you fight for it? Grasp it? Hold on to it? Think about it, and insist upon it being recognized? “We might have claimed honour as apostles of Christ,” says Paul.

III. Christ’s mind-attitude to service

“He took upon Him the form of a servant.” He did not come down from heaven to take a high position on earth, but to serve. He said, “I am among you as He that serves,” and “He that is chief among you, let him be your servant.” There, again, you have the very opposite of the mind of men on earth.

The Church is suffering from this unwillingness to serve. All want to be leaders or ruling; few are willing to be servants. “For we don’t preach . . . ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake,” said the apostle. 2 Cor. 4:5.

As children of God seeking to live a victorious life, let us examine these points regarding ourselves.

IV. Christ’s mind-attitude to suffering

“And being found in human form, He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, even the death of the cross.” Again, we see the opposite of the earthly mind which shrinks from suffering. The Lord Jesus Christ did not flinch from death in obedience to God. The same mind can be traced in Paul, when he said, “But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.”

God’s will is such that you must humble yourself to become obedient, and your obedience to God leads you into suffering—suffering even unto death—with the reproach of the cross over your life.

Christ’s mindset was to humble Himself. Perhaps you wish to be great. Great in the Church, best in testimony, most spiritual in prayer, and in speech; great joy in victory, asserting your position.

Christ’s mind was to be obedient.