There are few things in life that can ever be referred to as perfect. Only one man was ever perfect and that was Jesus. Therefore, everything about Him was perfect. In Philippians 2:5 we are to have the same mindset as Jesus. A mindset that was perfect in every way. While we are imperfect humans, we know we will never achieve this while on this earth, but we are to strive for that perfection. The next few verses give us a glimpse of the mind of Christ.
Jesus was God in the flesh. He had every right to act and think like God. He was the King of Kings, equal with God the Father, yet he became a servant and would not exercise the privileges of his position. He humbled himself and took our sins upon Him when he died on the cross for us. He did not die as a martyr but as a Savior. He thought nothing of himself, but put our needs above His. If we are to be Christlike, we too must put others’ needs above our own. Many will give to others, or do for others, but it is not a sacrifice. While they do for others it is out of their abundance. When was the last time you did something for someone and because of that action or gift, you denied yourself something you needed or desired?
Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
This humble servant refused to allow the cross and His sacrifice to be about Him. He wanted no glory for Himself. Jesus never exalted Himself even though He had every right to do so. In Philippians 2:9-11, we see God proclaiming the exaltation of Jesus. God declared that every knee would bow, and every tongue would confess that Jesus is Lord. If we give for God’s glory, then we receive from Him. If we sacrifice for His glory, then we are blessed. The perfect mindset is to keep Him in His perfect place, which is above everything and everyone.
Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
There are two verses that I seek to live by that help me remember to keep seeking the perfect mindset. They are 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:23. Both teach us to do all that we do for God’s glory, not for the praise of men. Our mindset is to be focused on what is right and good in the eyes of God. Our actions and attitudes are a reflection of our mindset. If your actions are honoring God, if they cause others to see Him because you are exalting Him, if all you are doing and thinking is for God’s glory, then you can do it with your whole heart and know that your father in Heaven is pleased. This may seem to be an impossible task, and in practice, it is because we have a sinful nature. But this is our goal. We are to continue to press forward until the day we die. When we get to Heaven, we will have a perfect mindset that honors a perfect God.
I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
