What does it mean to have the same mind as Christ Jesus? For we read in
our text, Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus (Phil.
2:5).
We might say … to think in the same way, to have the same attitudes, to
share the same values … as Jesus.
Not easy maybe; but made possible by our relational connection to Jesus,
and through the transformational work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
We can see from an earlier verse (2:2) that Paul has instructed the
church in Philippi, to be of the same mind, having the same love, being in
full accord and of one mind. This is firstly an attempt to pull the church
together in unity. Though, this could not be suggesting that those in
the church would all think identically about everything, for that would not be
realistic! True unity is only really found in diversity. So Paul must be
talking about the important things of the faith – those things that will most
count in the church’s relationship with the world. For, Paul is leading up to
statements about our transformation (in verses 12-13) and our level of
influence (in vs. 14-15)!
Now let us remind ourselves whose mind it is that determines the “one
mind” we unify under? Each of us collectively should have the same mind as
Christ Jesus (2:5)!
Again, what does this mean – especially when it comes to daily
practicalities? The answer seems to come first from the verses before (v.3-4),
which should be looked at broader than just within the church, given the
universal application of the cross. And the answer comes secondly from the poetic
words that follow in verses 6-11 … describing the nature of the incarnation of
Jesus (it seems likely here that Paul is quoting an early Christian poem or
song).
Then, to have the same mind as Jesus, means:
(i)
No selfish ambition, nor conceit (that flippantly claims
personal credit for success), but rather a humility that regards others as
better than ourselves (i.e. as more worthy of help and attention); and,
(ii)
Not being self-interested (simply focussed on one’s
rights and plans), but rather focussed on the needs of others (and on the
broader need in the world).
This has been dramatically and perfectly demonstrated by Jesus, through:
(i)
Leaving behind the glory of heaven to inhabit the earth
(ii)
Making himself vulnerable through becoming a human being
(iii)
Taking the role of a slave i.e. the lowest of the low
(iv)
Accepting the death of a criminal on a cross.
We can see here that ‘being of the same mind as Jesus’ is not something
that just stays in the mind or the head, but rather very quickly becomes active
behaviour. We consider carefully the needs of others, and then practically
respond.
Jesus, taking the role of a servant, refused to bend to those who would
seek to disrupt his mission – those who criticised him for the sort of people
he befriended and for healing needy people on the Sabbath. Jesus, in the form
of a humble servant, ignored all the temptations to avoid the cross – from
Satan in the wilderness, from his own disciples (especially Peter), and from
deep within himself (in the Garden of Gethsemane).
Likewise, disciples of Jesus, do not let any preoccupation on self, or
desire for safety and protection, get in the way of following Jesus toward
needy souls. One commentator [Jouette Bassler in NISB, p.2103] suggests
(rightly I think) that these verses (particularly 6-11) provide a pattern of
behaviour (or the ultimate paradigm, or the basic model) for those who belong
to Christ Jesus. Michael Hardin writes, “In short, the imitation of Christ
pertains to a pattern of life that endures hardship and persecution for the
sake of the gospel and those to whom the gospel is proclaimed” [The Jesus
Driven Life, p.238].
Paul’s own way of making this point was to say in verse 12, work out
your own salvation …, meaning: make your salvation effective or actual [LE
Keck, Proclamation Commentary, p.86]. This refers to the ‘in the
present’ phase of salvation, when salvation has its obligations. This is NOT
“working for” salvation, but rather “working out” salvation – i.e. making the
salvation (that has been freely gained) actually operational! The following
words ... in fear and trembling, suggest making our salvation
real and effective in the cut and thrust (and rollercoaster) of life. Those
early Jesus followers under persecution in Philippi knew what “fear and
trembling” was all about!
Before going further we should note that verses 9 to 11 point out that
it is only the humble that can be lifted up. It is only those who have come to
understand their dependence upon God, and been wholly open to God’s mercy and
grace being activated in their lives, that can be lifted up. Jesus’ humility to
the point of the cross led to a stunning reversal of fortunes … his
resurrection in glory. In the same way, God is only able to raise up or give
new life to those who first humble themselves. This is like the parable of the
lost son, where the younger son had to know that he had hit rock bottom, and
that seeking mercy was the only way forward. Now, having been lifted up and
begun the salvation journey, God is able to form in us … first the will to
serve and then the way to serve (refer v.13). We work outwards what God’s grace
has worked inwards!
We have been considering what it means to have the same mind as Jesus.
What attitudes and actions of Jesus can we draw on?
For instance, what was Jesus’ mind when it came to enemies? Jesus died
for his enemies that they might become his friends. Jesus forgave his enemies
from the cross. With this mindset, Jesus said to his disciples, “Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
We have seen that disciples (or followers) of Jesus have to maintain
humility in the face of the world, being acutely aware of our own foibles and
failings. Followers of Jesus actively seek the interests of others (especially
the lost, vulnerable and neglected) and have a positive view of people’s
potential (if they are ever to discover Jesus). This all eliminates the
propensity for fault-finding and labelling and generalising that so easily
devalues people. This is about giving (self-giving), not getting! This is about
offering, not demanding!! This is about the transformed and humble “children of
God” shining like stars in the midst of a crooked and perverse world (v.15).
There is nothing worse than the “children of God” living their lives in as much
darkness as the rest of society.
The cross of Jesus is the ultimate example of self-giving, and the
supreme act of engagement with the world (and hospitality to the world) in all
its sin and brokenness [thought inspired by Michael Frost in The Road to
Missional, p.90]. Adopting this self-giving [“cruciform”] spirituality
draws us outward to the people in need of God’s friendship. We are able to
“shine like stars” through this self-giving (in all its challenges), because we
also have the resurrected life of Jesus dwelling in us (and living through us).
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