Mind of Christ

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV UK) 

In his letter to the Church at Philippi, Paul encouraged new believers to put on “the Mind of Christ.” When I read that, I had to stop and ask myself: “What does he mean?” I didn’t have to look much further than the next verse. 

Paul wrote: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mind-set as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:5-7). 

During his earthly ministry, Jesus modelled a life of service for his disciples. Whether he was fishing with Peter, handing out lunch to five thousand hungry followers or simply washing the feet of his friends—you could almost always count on finding Jesus putting the needs of others before himself. 

It was his freedom found in the knowledge of his heavenly Father serving him that allowed Christ to serve others. And it was this mind-set that he wanted to pass on to his disciples. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:14-15). 

As we put on the Mind of Christ, secure in our relationship with him as he was secure in his Father’s love, we can join him in serving others. We can serve with joy and gladness even if it means getting our hands dirty for the good of the gospel. In this way we can join with Christ as he draws all people into communion with him and the Father by the Spirit.

This week, I’d like to challenge you to live each day with the complete “Mind of Christ.” He just might surprise you with how he serves you and the freedom you’ll find to care for others. 

Prayer
Holy Father, thank you for our Teacher, Jesus Christ Himself. He never asks us to do anything that He has not done first himself. His example of service to us is the model of our service for all. But we always need help, dear Father, and we thank you that we have that help, through the Holy Spirit, at all times. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by Joseph Tkach
_______________________________________________ 

About the Author:
Joseph Tkach is the President of Grace Communion International (the Denominational name of The Worldwide Church of God UK), and resides in California, USA.
You are welcome to attend one of our local Church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.wcg.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Contact:
Email: admin@daybyday.org.uk