The Path to Perfect Peace – Follow Jesus’ Humility: The Same Mindset

Key Verse

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…

Philippians 2:3-5 (NIV)

Short Reflection

Having the same mindset as Christ Jesus is like putting on the head covering that protects us from thoughts and perspectives – so dominant of the world and of our old nature – that unknowingly deceive, distract and destroy. It’s a do or die choice. The mental and emotional struggle is real, even the attendant pain of relinquishing my opinions, interests, rights, and seemingly healthy ego, for the sake of uplifting others. Many times the process saps out all our patience, inspiration and strength. Jesus’ frame of mind shakes our core: “he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” (Philippians 2:7)

Only when the Holy Spirit is in full possession of me can the mindset of Jesus Christ freely operate in me. I constantly check my heart and mind from time to time, even moment to moment – am I indeed His follower? Thanks be to God who fashioned our hearts (Psalm 33:15). As I fearlessly submit to my Good Shepherd, God works in me to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). The Lord is pleased. This is what matters most – His peace reigns in our hearts and with one another and His great work in our midst progresses.

This is the fourth in the “Follow Jesus’ Humility” series of blog posts and is prepared by Elizabeth Venegas from our Filipino partner, The Center for Community Transformation.