The Secret to Having a Mind Like Jesus
Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
In the days of the Bible, most people expected the Messiah to arrive with great and heavenly fanfare. They believed He would destroy the oppressive enemies and free His people. A violent military deliverance was a common prayer at the time.
Of course, this was not God's plan. Jesus arrived in the world in a humble and peaceful way. He chose a far more difficult manner of conquering the world - one heart at a time through active love. He was not out to rule the people, but to redeem their hearts.
To create this movement and mindset, He served. Look at the action verbs associated with Jesus in the New Testament:
- Preached
- Called
- Healed
- Delivered
- Taught
- Loved
- Forgave
- Reached out his hand
- Went to a home
- Touched her hand
- Spoke in authority
- Calmed the storm
- Cast out
- Had dinner with sinners
- Addressed the crowd
- Touched their eyes
- Went through the towns and villages
- Had compassion
- Sent out the 12
- Gave authority
- Taught in the synagogue
- Multiplied food
- Walked on water
- Prayed for children
- Healed blindness
- Drove out the money changers
- Challenged the Pharisees
- Crucified
- Resurrected
Jesus’ life was marked by constant, active, tireless service to people and by continually giving glory to God.
This is the Great Example He is showing each of us today. You can find no greater purpose and have no greater goal than to Imitate Christ your whole life through.
Warning: An active life of service without faith in God can lead to burn-out and bitterness toward those we serve.
Another Warning: A life of faith that has no active service is, according to the Bible, dead works.
That is why it is crucial that you balance your life as Jesus Himself modeled it for you; giving your good work to people for God's glory and giving your heart completely to God.
Today's Prayer
Father God, You are Loving and True. Thank You for coming here to heal our hearts and not to gain political power, fame, or anything that the world deems great. May my faith be active and my life produce glory for You always. In Jesus' name. Amen.
