I’m sure you’ve heard the acronym “WWJD—What Would Jesus Do?”. The phrase came from Rev. Charles Sheldon and his book “In His Steps,” published in 1896. Later, Janie Tinklenberg came up with the acronym. The thought process behind this is for the individual to stop and think just as Jesus would before reacting to a situation. It causes you to change your mindset. Eventually, the hope is that we will then begin to take on the mind of Christ. Leading us to act more like Him in every circumstance instead of allowing our flesh to be in control.
Philippians 2:5 states:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” King James Version
The other morning, those first six words kept running over and over in my mind. I’ve known the Scripture all my life, and I felt as if I understood what it meant. Yet, I figure if the Lord wanted me to investigate it a little more, then I had better do so. I picked up my study Bible and began doing some research. I began by going back to the beginning of the chapter and reading.
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye may be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2, KJV
There is so much here that we could break down if we had a lot of time. I mean, “bowels and mercies.” Just those three words cause one to stop and wonder what they mean. However, for the sake of “your” time, I’m going to let you do some research on your own and get right to the point. Ultimately, Paul was talking about unity in the first part of this passage. He knew that unity within the body was a vital part of living for Christ. That is why, when he continues the chapter, he begins to explain how unity comes about.
A change within your mind is key!
I read an article during my research from Forbes that stated the following:
Our minds are the most powerful tool that we can harness for all levels of success in life. Our thoughts shape who we are and who we will become, as well as influencing our physical well-being and our emotional state.A shift in your mindset can be profound for the outcomes you are wanting to gain in your personal and professional life. Your thoughts affect all aspects of your life, whether you are aware of them or not. Every experience begins with a thought. That thought, placed into action, creates a ripple effect that becomes magnified in your life. Have you ever had the experience of deciding to purchase a certain make of car and then all of a sudden that same car seems to be everywhere you look? When you start thinking and acting on what you want then your mind automatically shifts and pulls you in that direction.Forbes Magazine, Nicole Serena Silver, Feb. 17, 2022
Here is the thing: Paul knew that taking on the mind of Christ would change not only the church’s atmosphere but the individual’s mindset as well. With the shift of the mind, we would find ourselves walking, talking, and living a life that is identical to the life of Christ. See, changing the mindset is key! That last sentence should really hit home with us. When you think and act on the things of God, your mind begins to shift, and you start to feel a pull towards the things of God.
I believe there is a place inside each and every one of us that only God can fill. We find ourselves searching for futile things to fill the hole and make us feel better. Yet, Jesus is the answer! Filling our hearts and minds with the things of the Spirit will create a desire for more of Him, thus filling the void.
How do you shift your mind to be Christ-like?
Paul’s continues on in this passage of Scripture on how we are to be like Christ.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:3–4, KJV
Here is the biggest key to changing our minds: humbleness. For some, but not all, this is a hard thing to do. You have to learn to set yourself aside and look after those around you. I really like how the NIV puts the next few verses into perspective.
“In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset 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. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8, New International Version
God voluntarily made Himself in man’s likeness! He put aside all the glory and came to earth to be an earthly sacrifice for the sin of man. He is the prime example of being humble. True humility happens when you live a life that is holy. When you pray, fast, read His Word, and fill your mind with the things of God, you will find a desire to be more and more like Him. Your mind will begin to change, and you will see evil for what it really is, no matter how appealing it may look. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
Humility is not a natural instinct for sinful humans; it is a God-given virtue of holy living. The Woman’s Study Bible, p. 1752
Paul continues the passage, instructing those in the church that in everything they do, they must learn to do it without grumbling and complaining (v. 14). How can we be humble in doing things for others or for God if all we do is gripe about it? We are meant to stand out and be separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17).
To learn humility is to learn contentment in all circumstances. Humility is not in what we own or achieve, but in maintaining a teachable attitude, a willingness to bend to the will of the Father. Jan Silvious
How teachable are you?
There is the ultimate question. Are you willing to learn? Are you willing to allow God to lead you where He wants you to go, no matter how hard it is? I know I’m not alone when I tell you that there are times that God asks something of me, and my flesh balks at the request. I have to go to prayer, put this old flesh under submission, and realize that God only wants what is best for me.
Quick story, and then you can go about your day. I was raised in a pastor’s home. I saw the toll it took on my parents, and I knew how it affected each of us girls. I told myself that I would never marry a preacher or pastor. I didn’t! Yet, one day, God called my husband into the ministry. Oh, I denied it. Eventually, I accepted it and just knew that would be the end of it until one day, during prayer, the Lord said, “Begin packing. Your move will be quick.” I thought I had lost my mind and ignored it. I didn’t do anything.
Long story short, God called my husband to pastor, and within a week of accepting the church, we sold our home and were trying to quickly pack to move to another state. If I had just heeded the voice of the Lord and not allowed my flesh to step in and be determined NOT to be married to a pastor, then I would have been packed and ready for the journey instead of rushing around at the last minute to do everything.
That experience alone taught me some very valuable lessons in life. Would I do it all over again? YES! However, I would be more apt to listen instead of ignoring the voice of the Lord.
I want to be what God desires me to be. I want to take on the mind of Christ, humble myself, and be teachable. After all, no matter what “I” think, I really don’t know it all.
Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!
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