Have This Mind

The values which we place upon things are governed by the mind. How important then that we should have a right mind! To this end we must be guided by the Word of God. There is a wealth of Divine teaching available for us, and among all there is no greater treasure than this-" Have this mind in you, which was also IN CHRIST JESUS: who being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, yea, the death of the cross " (Philippians 2. .5-8).

Personal meditation upon such a scripture, presenting us with such an example-the mind which was in Christ Jesus, will surely stir our hearts and provoke us to imitation.

As we have said, Scripture supplies our utmost need for instruction in regard to the mind which should be in us, and so we read, "Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly" (Romans 12. 16). In His life and service on earth the Lord Jesus has left us an exceedingly precious example of the principle voiced in Romans 12. 16. The mind that planned the ages once planned to meet one sinladen soul at Sychar's well; and there He who fully knew her state and need both taught her to feel her need, and met it perfectly. Again, the One who was the Lord and the Master' once stooped down to wash the feet of His disciples, whose minds, we fear, were far from His lowly mind, for they had been engaged in measuring themselves by themselves.

How like we are to the disciples, in that we are prone to give way to the mind of the flesh, which ever makes much of self (in one form or another). But Oh! when we think of the Lord Jesus, how we are instructed and humbled! What a lesson for us as we think of Him who condescended to take the basin, and the towel ! In that lowly, kindly act of feetwashing, He gave us an example-" If I then, the Lord and the Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet." How our hearts should be bowed, and our minds humbled!

In the light of such surpassing lowliness we might well hear the question, "What sayest thou of thyself? " Well is it if we can answer Him with true humility of mind, "I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me" (Psalm 40. 17); and again, "Who remembered us in our low estate: for His mercy endureth for ever."

How necessary and befitting then, for us to learn of Christ; and to pray fervently that we may truly grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour! Oh that we might be able to say with the Apostle, "We have the mind of Christ." Our desire and prayer should ever be-Give us Thy meek, Thy lowly mind:

We would obedient be;

And all our rest and pleasure find

In fellowship with Thee.

unknown | May 1936
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