The mind of Christ

In the last two weeks I have been to Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. As I reflect on both experiences, I have been reminded that God is at work in the world, and in me.
I want to share a Scripture from Paul’s letter to the Philippians that the students at Harding reflected on throughout our weekend together:
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11)
As I consider Paul’s words, I am reminded of something very important. Having the same mind doesn’t mean we agree on everything. Rather, it means that we share the attitude and spirit of Christ. We are called to be servants who serve others. We are called to be humble, even to the point of death.
Imagine how different our churches would be if we could have that kind of mind. What if we lived in a world where Christians really lived out the meaning of their name as followers of Christ?
When we make our faith primarily about embracing a list of beliefs, we miss something significant. The Kingdom of God is not about what we believe; it’s about what we embody. It is about the kind of life we live. This is why Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
When Christianity becomes something that consumes every part of who we are, we can truly begin to experience the world as God imagines it.

shine!
Jason