Molding My Mind to be Like Christ

Throughout God’s Word we are instructed to “be like Christ.”  Philippians 2:5 is even more specific.  This verse commands us to think like Christ, to have His mindset. This is a verse that keeps me on track. You will see it below in three different translations helping to explain its full meaning.   

"Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus." (HCSB) 
”In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (NIV)
”Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (NKJV)
 
I need to think like Christ, to have the same mind as Christ, to
have his attitude. I have fallen short of this many times.  
 
Several years ago a colleague and I were reviewing the previous
night’s presentation. She kindly asked me what I thought I might do differently to be more effective.  We were at the beginning of a ten-day blitz to introduce a new venture. I was so excited that I hadn’t stopped to even consider if I should change my presentation.  Why would I?  After all, the Lord helped me prepare it, so why would I change it?  Allowing myself to accept my younger friend’s gentle guidance helped me improve the message, and keep the humble attitude befitting a Christian.  

The Lord impressed two things upon me during those days. 1. I
still have much to learn, and, 2. I should be willing to learn from those I am leading, even those younger than me. Listening to those around me, and considering the ideas and possible solutions of others goes a long way toward helping me improve my effectiveness.

As we continued our trip, we were seeing God at work along the
way, but, even so, our relationship grew strained. Several days of travel in a small car, covering hundreds of miles took a toll. We both needed a “time out”.  God spoke to me, and showed me my wrong attitude. I was putting myself first. Once we reconciled with God and each other, we were able to finish our tour with God’s blessing and our venture was off to a good start.

When I acknowledged my wrong attitude to Christ, and to my dear
friend, sweet communion with my Lord and my colleague was restored.  
 
This step in following Jesus, having Christ’s attitude, is one
that raises another question. Just what was Christ’s attitude? 
We will explore that next time.

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