The Root of the Mind: A Life Yielded to Glory

The Root of the Mind: A Life Yielded to Glory

The mind of Christ is a distinct spiritual disposition characterised by a total absence of selfish ambition and an instinctive drive toward the well-being of others. It is a state of being where one is perfectly joined together in the same judgment, possessing a love that does not fluctuate based on personal preference (1Cor.1:10; Php.2:2). This mindset is defined by a lowliness that naturally esteems others as better than oneself and looks outward at the needs of the body rather than inward at personal desires (Php.2:3-4). However, it is vital to recognise that this is not our mind; it does not originate within the human heart, nor is it an extension of our natural temperament.

The mind of Christ is entirely foreign to our corrupt nature. It is not a collection of our best thoughts or a refined version of our own desires; it is the very life and thinking of Christ Jesus Himself. We do not produce these thoughts by trying to think more "spiritually" or by exerting our self-will. Instead, these thoughts enter our mind as we read and study the scriptures, internalising the doctrine of grace. As we spend time in the Word, His thoughts begin to fill the spaces where our own used to dwell, renewing our thinking from the inside out (Rom.12:2). The more we occupy ourselves with His truth, the more His perspective becomes the lens through which we view the world.

Unity through Humility

Unity through Humility

While writing Philippians 2:2-5, Paul encourages unity by presenting this body of believers an image of the selfless mind of Christ. He writes,

“Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

At the core of unity, is “the same doctrine”. Doctrine, a set of principles that defines the grace life, when believed and maintained through a common understanding of its teachings, will produce unity and harmony. Paul confirms this in his letter to the Corinthians:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” - 1Cor.1:10

It is this same doctrine that promotes unity that Paul uses to instruct the Philippians in humility. If the doctrine in the minds of the saints are the bricks, then humility is the mortar that binds them together in a strong and immovable unity. 

Let nothing be done through strife (conflict) or vainglory (pride and boasting); but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.