Today’s 333 Devotional: “Having the Mind of Christ”

I’ve seen plenty of shows where people have had an MRI done on their brain, 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 another brain, but when the brain was placed inside Frankenstein, it wasn’t what the doctor expected.

It’s not a new brain we need, but rather a new mind. This was Paul’s point when writing to the church in Philippi saying that the very thinking of Jesus needs to be our thinking as well.

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

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, He became a bondservant humbling Himself by becoming obedient, even to the point of dying for our sins (Philippians 2:7-8).

 To have the mind of Christ is to have a servant’s attitude, the same attitude Jesus had. 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.

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 praying, “Not as I will, but as You (Father) will.” (Matthew 26:39)

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