“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
LIGHT FOR NOW: Having the mind of Christ means allowing the truth, attitude, and example of Jesus to shape how we think, make decisions, treat people, and fulfil our responsibilities. It does not merely know about Christ; it is learning to live in agreement with the One we have come to know.
For fifteen days, we have explored what it means to have the mind of Christ. We have considered the renewal of the mind, thinking according to truth, spiritual discernment, and humility, freedom from fearful thinking, and learning to interpret life through Scripture. Now Paul brings us back to the foundation of this entire journey: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”.
The Greek word translated “mind” is phroneo. It describes a person’s mindset, attitude, disposition, or way of thinking. Paul is not merely asking us to acquire more information about Jesus. He is calling us to embrace the kind of attitude demonstrated by Jesus. The question is not only, “What do I know about Christ?” but also, “How is what I know about Christ shaping the way I live?”
The context gives us a practical picture. Philippians 2:3 instructs believers to reject selfish ambition and conceit, and to regard others with humility. Verse 4 encourages us to consider the interests of others, not only our own. Paul then points to Jesus, who humbled Himself and became obedient unto death (verses 6–8). Therefore, the mind of Christ is not an abstract spiritual concept; it becomes visible in humility, selflessness, obedience, and love.
Notice that Christ’s humility did not mean He lacked identity or authority. He knew who He was, yet He did not use His position for selfish advantage. This corrects a common misunderstanding: humility is not self-hatred, pretending to have no value, or allowing everyone to misuse you. Christ-like humility means being secure enough in God to serve without making everything about yourself. You can possess confidence without arrogance, exercise authority without domination, and correct others without despising them.
The mind of Christ must also influence how we interpret circumstances. When disappointment comes, we learn not to let disappointment become our entire theology. When anger rises, we learn to examine our response in the light of Scripture. When success comes, we refuse to let pride govern us. When people offend us, we remember the grace we have received and seek to respond with wisdom rather than revenge. This does not mean ignoring injustice or refusing necessary boundaries; it means that even our responses to difficult situations must come under the lordship of Christ.
Romans 12:2 teach that transformation involves the renewing of the mind. This renewal happens as our thinking is continually brought into agreement with God’s revealed truth. We learn to reject thoughts that contradict Scripture, correct assumptions that distort our understanding, and practice what we discover in the Word. Growth does not mean we never experience a wrong thought or an emotional struggle. It means we are learning not to surrender our decisions to every thought or feeling that arises.
And remember, the mind of Christ is not cultivated by human effort alone. The Holy Spirit works in us as we receive the Word, depend on God’s grace, and respond in obedience. We are not trying to earn acceptance by becoming Christ-like; we are learning to live out the truth of the life we have received in Him. Our responsibility is to keep turning our attention to Christ, allowing His Word to correct us and His example to guide us.
Beloved, let this mind be in you; in your conversations, leadership, relationships, decisions, service, and private thoughts. Let Christ shape not only what you preach but also how you treat people. Let Him influence not only your public confession but also your private conduct. The evidence of a renewed mind is not simply the ability to explain spiritual truths; it is a life increasingly governed by those truths. The journey continues every day: behold Christ, receive His Word, depend on His Spirit, and practice His ways. Glory!!!
INSTRUCTION: Read Philippians 2:1–11. Identify one attitude in the passage that needs greater expression in your life. Practice it today in a specific situation, and ask yourself: “What response would agree with the truth and character of Christ?”
CONFESSION: Father, thank You for revealing Christ as my pattern for life. I submit my thoughts, attitudes, decisions, and responses to Your truth. By the renewing of my mind and the work of Your Spirit, I am learning to think, speak, and act in ways that honour Jesus. Let pride give way to humility, selfishness to love, confusion to truth, and impulsiveness to wisdom. May the mind of Christ increasingly shape every area of my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.
For More Light; get the message, “THE RENEWED MIND” by Dr. John Linus
QUOTE: The mind of Christ is not proved merely by how accurately we speak about Jesus, but by how increasingly our thoughts, attitudes, and actions reflect His character.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 2:1-11; EVENING: ROMANS CHAPTER 12:1-8
