What Is the Mind of Christ?

Leave a reply

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of God in Philippi about the mind that was in Christ, he directed them to allow that same mind to be in them.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

It seems Paul knew what the mind in Christ was like.  Further, it appears that Paul knew true believers could also have that same mind in them.

How is that possible?  How does one receive the same mind that was in Christ?  What does the mind of Christ look like, anyway?

From the context of Philippians, we find that humility and self-sacrifice were hallmarks of Christ’s mind.  And, it was a mind that was in perfect harmony with God.  Notice that Jesus was “obedient” to God when He gave Himself for mankind.

Philippians 2:3-8 (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (5) 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.

All honest humans must surely realize that this is a very special kind of mind!  This mind is the very mind of God, our Father.  This mind sees things very differently from the average human mind.  In fact, in Isaiah 55:8 God tells us that His thoughts are not as our thoughts.

This mind comes to believers by the Holy Spirit of God.  And, the Spirit of God is given to those who obey what they know God expects of them.

Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost [SPIRIT], whom God hath given to them that obey him.

The Apostle Paul referred to the Holy Spirit which gives believers the mind of Christ as a TREASURE in earthen vessels.  It is to be highly prized.  Nothing else can compare to this GIFT from God and to the changes that come about when a person yields to God in joyful hope and faith.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

The mind of Christ is a treasure worth knowing about, diligently seeking and cherishing both now and forever.

Beating Depression and Anxiety

Leave a reply

Is there an instant pill or a quick fix for depression or anxiety?  Probably not, but there is help, and improvement can occur in a short period of time in many cases.

When people are sad, depressed, or anxious, they often feel something is wrong with them.  In actual fact, the focus does not need to be on what could be wrong with the person, but rather on the person’s thought patterns.  Where there is depression and anxiety, we can be fairly sure, there are some very negative and self-defeating thinking patterns going on.

The mind is a powerful thing.  Yes, there is power in the mind.

A depressed or anxious person often has POWERFUL thoughts, but they are thoughts that weaken, and can even bring about poor health and poor relationships.  So thoughts need a right direction.

What most likely needs to be “fixed” is a person’s way or habits or patterns of thinking.  Today this “fixing” is called cognitive restructuring.

People who are truly depressed, or are often depressed, or are frequently anxious, are generally people who have failed to find out how to effectively use the power of the mind.  Why is this so?

Many people have never been taught that they can actually control many of their thoughts.  Even thought patterns that a person has had for many years, maybe even from early childhood, can be restructured into positive and more effective thought patterns.

True believers have access to the real answer to depression and anxiety, as they now let the BIBLE SPEAK.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things

Think On These Things!

Leave a reply

We all have so many thoughts in a day.  Our minds are very active…so active in fact, that we more often than not, take our thoughts for granted.

Actually, we can be (and need to be) in control of our minds.  Often, without realizing it, we are actually “choosing” what to think about.

Even when we ALLOW our minds to be in neutral and we just coast along, we are still CHOOSING.  And, what we think about tells God a lot about us.  What we think about also shapes our feelings and behaviors.

Our Creator, Who made our minds and knows precisely how each mind works, tells us exactly what to think about.   The Apostle Paul wrote about it to the Philippians.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

A wonderful promise goes with Philippians 4:8.  We find the promise in verse 9.  Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

GOD’S PEACE will be with those of us who choose to think about positive things (true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praise).

Try it!  It really does work!