May 18 2026

Monday May 18

The Mind That Changes Everything

Philippians 2:5-7

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Welcome to Pastor's Chat today. Today we're back to Philippians 2:5-11. Some Bible scholars believe this is the greatest passage in all the Bible. Many people and Bible scholars believe that this section was an early Christian hymn that the Apostle Paul quoted to teach the church about the humility and the glory of Jesus Christ. Today we want to talk about the mind of Christ, the mind that changes everything.

But we need to remember in context that Paul is not merely teaching doctrine here. He is dealing with relationships in the church. Back in verses 1-4, Paul had urged the believers to walk in humility, to walk in unity and selflessness. Remember he said, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind. Let each esteem others better than themselves." Then he gives the perfect example, Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”. 

Now the word mind here refers to the attitude, the mindset, the disposition or the way of thinking. Some people call this the submissive mind. It is the attitude that willingly lays aside selfish ambition for the good of others and for the glory of God. Our thinking determines our living. Remember Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." If our minds are filled with pride and selfishness and comparison, jealousy, personal rights, relationships will begin to crumble. Homes become tense. Churches become divided and friendships become strained. But when the believer develops the mind of Christ, unity and joy can flourish.

Remember Paul wrote Philippians from a Roman prison cell. Yet joy is filling his heart and his letter because Christ filled Paul's heart. The mind of Christ is not just natural. It is supernatural. Remember Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. The Christian life is not behavior modification. No, it is heart transformation. Remember that. This is exactly what is the mind of Christ.

The rest of the passage tells us about Christ. He surrendered. He surrendered His rights. He humbled Himself. He became a servant. He obeyed the Father completely. He sacrificed Himself for others. Jesus did not live for Himself. If you ask what the mind of Christ is, you find it in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give His life a ransom for others”. This is the mind that you and I are called to.

So today, ask yourself the question, am I demanding my rights? Am I easily offended? Am I more concerned about being served or serving others? Would my family say I have the mind of Christ? Oh, my friend, the battle for humility begins in the mind. A church split usually starts with a proud thought. A broken marriage often begins with selfish attitudes, and a bitter spirit begins with unchecked thinking. But revival also begins in the mind.

When believers begin to say, "Lord Jesus, think through me, love through me, serve through me," everything changes. That is when we know we have the mind of Christ. Maybe today there is someone you need to encourage instead of criticize. Maybe there is someone you need to forgive instead of avoid. Maybe there is a selfish attitude the Holy Spirit is revealing. The mind of Christ always moves us toward humility, unity, and sacrificial love.

Today, please pray this prayer with me. “Father, thank You for giving us the perfect example of Jesus Christ. Forgive us for selfish thinking and proud attitudes. Renew our minds today and help us to think like Jesus. Fill us with humility, love and a servant's heart. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.”

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!