Joel Littlefield

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”  Philippians 2:3-5

The scriptures are constantly telling us to depart from what is natural for the fallen mind of man, and cling tighter to the mind of Jesus. It’s a never ending task, one that takes relentless commitment. This requires a “dying daily” to what we see and feel, and coming alive to the heart, and mind of God in everything.

God says “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.” We say, “What about me?” “What about my needs?” “Don’t I have something to gain from this life?” Yes, there is much to gain, but not without first losing everything.

Christ led the way in this too. He could have come as a pompous King, clothed in splendor, and dwelling among the rich, but what would that have said? What would that say to the poor?

His home was Heaven, far above this dark world. He dwelt in righteousness, and majesty, never needing anything as man needs. He was the chosen one; destined to come to earth and take on humanity, enveloping himself in the world He had made and the rebellion that ensued, all for one purpose, to die.

He emptied Himself of everything for the greater glory. His entire life was for the benefit of others. A life lived and spent in giving, pouring out, laboring, crying, and even bleeding for others.

“but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.”

Nothing holds more significance than Jesus, yet His mind was to be low, to put His needs last, to be the servant of all.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

There is much strength to be drawn from this example. There is a choice to be made. Will we be like our savior, or will we shrink back and be as the world? To be as the world is easy, it’s natural. To be like Christ in both word and deed takes discipline and humility. This ability comes from the Spirit, but the action comes from us, from a purposing to surrender and put on Christ. The strength is drawn when we look upon Christ, when we see His great humility to die for us when we deserved it least. With minds stayed here and only here, we will begin to see the needs of others like He did and lay ourselves down for their good. This is the working out of your salvation, the salvation that is abundantly yours through belief in Christ’s humble sacrifice. Salvation comes with much intent, one of which is transformation to the image of Jesus. So be transformed, be changed, be humble, and put on His mind. Do it with reverence and trembling, knowing that it is God’s good pleasure to work this in you for His glory.