The Mind of Christ

Several years ago I had a MRI done on head, and I wondered, “If I had a spiritual MRI, what would it reveal?

In “Young Frankenstein,” Igor goes into the brain depositary to find the brain of a great scientist, but drops its. He then picks up another brain, but when the brain was placed inside, it wasn’t what the doctor expected.

It’s not a new brain we need, rather a new mind. This was Paul’s point when writing to the church in Philippi.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Paul is saying we need to let the very thinking of Jesus be our thinking as well.

To have the mind of Christ is to think and act as Jesus did. It means to make Christ-like decisions for our lives.

What is the mind of Christ?

Paul goes on to say how Jesus made Himself of no reputation, and instead of lording it over others, became as a bondservant humbling Himself by becoming obedient, even to the point of dying for our sins, Philippians 2:7-8.

And so to have the mind of Christ is to have a servant’s attitude, the same attitude Jesus possessed.

This attitude was on full display at the Passover as Jesus picked up a towel and basin of water to wash the disciples’ feet. It was a position not just of a servant, but the lowest position a servant could have, John 13:1-17.

To have the mind of Christ is to look at the world around us and do those things Jesus would do. It means to bring our will and desires under the control of Jesus, much as Jesus brought His will into alignment with the Father when He prayed, “Not as I will, but as You (Father) will.” (Matthew 26:39)

How do we accomplish this? We do so through extended time in God’s word and prayer. It’s by seeking God’s will and way to be done in our lives.