Topic: Having the Mind of Christ
Bible Reading: Psalm 116-118; 1 Corinthians 2.
Memory Verse: “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV)
Mind of Christ means having the mindset, perspectives, and way of thinking that believers in Jesus Christ are encouraged to cultivate. It is not claiming equality or trying to usurp the authority of Christ but it refers to aligning one’s thoughts, attitude and actions with the teachings and examples of Christ since we are made in God’s image.
Christ has love at the center of the gospel and so anyone who wants to have a mind of Christ must love God and fellow human beings. 1 John 4:8 (KJV) says, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” With love, you will be in the presence of God at all times. In John 14:23 (KJV), “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
You will also need to show your love through service as Jesus did. You will focus on serving people rather than being served irrespective of your status attainment in life. This is what Jesus demonstrated by washing the feet of His disciples and further enjoined His disciples to do same (John 13:4-15 ). That is why Philippians 2:3 (KJV), “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Apostle Paul further gave another glimpse of the mind of Christ when he says in Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV), “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” So having a mind of Christ will mean being merciful and forgiving. Jesus forgave even those who crucified him and asked God the father to do same! In Luke 23:34 (KJV), “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” No wonder He taught His disciples to forgive seventy times seven!
To have Christ’s mind, it is not by flesh but by the Spirit of God. You need to spend quality time with God in studying the word, praying and fellowshipping with Him. You also need to seek accountability which is why you should belong to a church where you can be supported and also guided in the way of the Lord. Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Jesus was accountable to God, you must hold yourself accountable ultimately to God.
Remember always that you need to live a life of holiness and your life should show the fruit of the Spirit. When people see you and study your behaviour, then they will be able to say you conform to the image of Christ based on the word of God. Nobody has so much knowledge about the mind of Christ that he can instruct him but a true believer who lives in accordance with the word of God has the mind of Christ. Thus 1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV) says, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
Prayer point: Father, please help me to live a life that reflects the mind of Christ.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero