“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
LIGHT FOR NOW: Christianity is not merely about receiving a new life in Christ; it also involves learning to think in agreement with the truth of that life. The mind of Christ describes a Christ-shaped disposition that influences how we perceive, evaluate, and respond to life.
The Christian life begins with what God has accomplished in Christ, but that life must increasingly influence the way we think. You can be in Christ and still need your thinking renewed by His Word. Your identity may have changed, yet some of your thought patterns may still reflect your old understanding. This is why the mind matters.
In Philippians 2:5, Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”. The Greek word translated mind is phroneo, which refers to one’s way of thinking, attitude, disposition, or outlook. Paul is not merely asking believers to think about Jesus occasionally; he is calling them to embrace an attitude consistent with Christ’s example.
Notice the context, Paul proceeds to describe Christ’s humility: although He existed in the form of God, He did not treat His equality with God as an opportunity for selfish advantage. Instead, He took the form of a servant and humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6–8). Therefore, in this passage, having the mind of Christ includes adopting His attitude of humility, selflessness, and obedience.
This corrects a common misunderstanding. The mind of Christ is not simply the ability to think deeply, speak intelligently, or understand spiritual mysteries. A person may possess remarkable intellectual ability and still display pride, selfish ambition, or an unwillingness to serve. Spiritual understanding must shape our disposition, not merely increase our information.
Romans 12:2 says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”. The word translated transformed is metamorphoo, meaning to change in form or undergo transformation. The word renewing is anakainosis, referring to renewal or making new. Paul shows us that transformation involves a renewed way of thinking. God’s Word challenges our assumptions, corrects our judgments, and teaches us to see life through the truth He has revealed.
Consider how this works in everyday life. When someone offends you, your natural response may be revenge, bitterness, or retaliation. But as the Word shapes your thinking, you begin to consider forgiveness, truth, and godly wisdom. When success comes, pride may suggest that you are superior to others, but the mind of Christ teaches humility. When another person receives recognition, envy may arise, but a renewed mind learns to rejoice without comparison.
We must also understand that having the mind of Christ does not mean becoming omniscient or knowing everything Jesus knows. It does not mean that every thought or impression we have is automatically God’s thought. Rather, we are learning to think in agreement with Christ’s revealed truth, values, character, and purposes. We test our thinking by Scripture instead of treating every inner impression as divine instruction.
Here is the central truth for today: you do not renew your mind to earn your place in Christ; you renew your mind because you belong to Christ. The Word does not create the finished work of Christ through your mental effort. Instead, it teaches your understanding to recognize and live in agreement with what God has accomplished and revealed in Him. Glory!!!
INSTRUCTION: Today, pay attention to your thought patterns. When you face a decision, conflict, disappointment, or opportunity, ask yourself: Does my attitude reflect the mind of Christ? Read Philippians 2:1–11 slowly, paying special attention to the humility and selflessness of Jesus. Identify one attitude that needs to change, and deliberately respond according to the truth of God’s Word.
CONFESSION: I have received new life in Christ, and I am learning to think in agreement with His truth. My mind is being renewed by the Word of God. I reject pride, selfish ambition, envy, and thoughts that contradict God’s revealed wisdom. I embrace the humility, love, wisdom, and obedience demonstrated by Jesus Christ. My thinking is being transformed, and my life increasingly reflects the character of the One in whom I live, in Jesus Name. Amen.
For More Light; get the message, “THE RENEWED MIND” by Dr. John Linus
QUOTE: The mind of Christ is not merely a mind filled with information about Jesus; it is a mind increasingly shaped by His truth, His attitude, and His way of seeing life.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 2:1-11; EVENING: ROMANS CHAPTER 12:1-8
