𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟮 - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;…” (Philippians 2:3).

In our discipleship of Jesus, the goal is to be changed into the mind of Christ. We change our whole worldview of our purpose and existence. There are so many passages that emphasize this and give specific concepts that must be changed. I want simply to zero in on the one last such concept here in the opening of chapter 2: “with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves”.

In our independent modern thinking, ‘self’ is the center of thinking. In the 1st century, there was a more group-oriented thinking, I exist AMONG and PART OF others. This is difficult for 21st-century Americans to wrap their head around let alone imitate. BUT, difficult as that may be, it is the core of our discipleship.

Jesus set the example (memorize Phil. 2:5-11!). In all of His glory, power, and personhood, He was willing to put YOU first, even to the point of dying on the cross (considered in the 1st century to be one of the most degrading and humiliating experiences of life!). He did not do this for himself, but for you.

Then, to show that such an attitude was not just found in Jesus, but also in His disciples, Paul continues in this chapter. First, notice the example of Paul in vs. 17 – poured out as a drink offering for the other disciples. Then Timothy, who like Paul, was seeking not his own welfare, but that of these brethren in Philippi (vs. 20-21). And lastly in this chapter is the example of Epaphroditus. Read again and note HIS deep concern for these brethren! Observe his willingness to suffer hardship for their wellbeing.

Thus, the mind of Christ in putting your brethren’s welfare ahead of your own is possible. Such is the basis of maintaining peace and harmony within a congregation. Is that YOUR mindset?

Hugh DeLong