The Mind of Christ

We were looking for heroes - He came looking for the lost. We were searching for glory and He showed us a cross. - Rich Mullins

One of my favorite hymns is May the Mind of Christ, My Savior. Its six stanzas describe six important aspects of our life in Christ. The first is the mind of Christ. Kate B. Wilkinson wrote,

May the mind of Christ, my Savior, live in me from day to day, by His love and pw'r controlling all I do and say.

What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?

Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5,

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

And then he goes on to decsribe Christ's humility and servanthood.

Having the mind of Christ has something to do with being humble and being a servant. Being willing to put others first. Giving up our own rights. Making sacrifices for others. Denying ourselves and making sure that the needs of others are met.

As we grow in Christ-likeness, as we mature in the faith, the Holy Spirit continues to reveal the mind of Christ to us. Our personalities and characters becoming increasingly Christ-like as we read and meditate on God's Word and yield ourselves to the guiding of the Spirit. Our minds become increasingly Christ-like as we nourish our minds with things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

Having the mind of Christ, according the songwriter, His love and power will control all I do and say. Not only will I have the mind of Christ, but my words and actions will be Christ-like as well.

Today, you might take time to sing the words of this hymn, if you know the melody. If not, meditate on the words. Make these words a prayer. Ask God to help you to have the mind of Christ in every situation you encounter today.