January 25 | Philippians 2:1-11

Elaine Pierce
1 day ago
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

The Mind of Christ

By Elaine Pierce

How can we have the mind of Christ? My mind so often is far, far, from Christlike. In today's passage, the apostle Paul challenges the values that we see in the world every day: look out for No. 1.....act with confidence even when you are in doubt (fake it until you make it)... be ambitious.....be forceful....be a winner.

What does Paul focus on? Tenderness. Compassion. Loving and united in spirit and purpose. Humility. Looking to the interests of others. If someone asked me what the key to success is, I doubt I would have these qualities at the top of my list. Again, how can we become more Christlike? Is it through sheer determination and hard work? That will only result in failure and frustration. We can't will ourselves to be compassionate, or humble, or loving.

God sent Jesus to die for our sins, and he gave us the Holy Spirit to intercede for us. When we understand that we are sinful and wholly dependent on God's grace, then we can begin to have the same attitude as that of Jesus. No, he didn't deserve to die on the cross, but he did it - for you, for me. And what a glorious result indeed:

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (v. 9-11).

Is there one specific way you can share Christ's love this week? Ask him to show you the neighbor, the family member, the stranger who needs you to be Jesus' hands and feet. And thank him for the opportunity to grow more Christlike.

PRAYER

Lord, I want to be more Christlike, but I fall short, and I revert to old patterns. Help me today to start anew, and to live in unity with the spirit. Help me to show your compassion and your grace to others. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!