This week I’ve continued to read and meditate on the final portion of Philippians 2:12-30. Here Paul narrows the focus on what a life looks like when we choose the mind of Christ and how rejoicing comes as a natural outflow of that choice.
In Philippians 2:12, Paul transitions with therefore, meaning that he is getting ready to identify the consequence or result of something previously stated. Here he’s identifying the result of having the mind or attitude of Christ Jesus.
When your mind is that of Christ Jesus your life will be characterized by-
Continued obedience as you work out your salvation and become more and more like Jesus (2:12-13).
The lack of complaints and arguments as God’s light shines through you (14-15).
Offering the word of life to those in desperate need (16).
Partnering with others selflessly as Timothy and Epaphroditus did with Paul.
Pouring yourself out as an offering to God (17, 22, 25, 27).
When we allow the mind of Christ to characterize our lives, joy will come. We will like Paul rejoice as we see the continued good work of God in our own lives and in those around us as we all become more and more like Christ (17-18).
We will know joy and genuine affection for those who are dear to us and who encourage us as Timothy and Epaphroditus did Paul, and we’ll know joy from honoring and welcoming gospel ministry partners in the faith (29).
If you’re like me, you may find yourself thinking this is good but challenging news. Yes- joy is a promised result of living with the mind of Christ. But- there is a cost- and it is steep:
It is a pouring out of self,
A humbling of self,
A dying to self!
On most days, this is not an easy thing. I trip all over myself- the things I value and want, and more often than I’d like, I find myself acknowledging to God that even though my spirit is willing to live with the attitude of Jesus, my flesh is weak and presents a daily challenge on this battlefield (Matthew 26:41).
God shed some light on this struggle recently and gave me a strategy for combat. My devotional reading took me to David’s Song of Thanks in 1 Chronicles 16:8-34. I was reminded through this beautiful prayer that my focus must be on God and the glory due his name.
I’m adding a new PIC which summarizes David’s heart and purpose in this passage. It’s to, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name.” In other words, give God the credit for who He is and why He alone is worthy of honor and glory.
There are so many things in David’s Song of Thanks that identify why God alone is worthy of praise. I hope you’ll take a few moments to read the verses and underline or write the ones you find there. Meet the challenge of acknowledging that the gods of the peoples are worthless (26) yet they lead us astray time and time again and keep us from surrendering our all to the only true God!
Today, pour yourself out before the One who is truly worthy of all we have to bring!
Daily PICs for Life 