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 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” (Philippians 2:5-7).

During his earthly ministry, Jesus modeled 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 mindset 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 and 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.

I’m Joseph Tkach, speaking of LIFE.