Like My Lord

Posted by on December 15, 1996 under Bulletin Articles

Paul told the Philippian congregation to develop the attitude toward eachother that Jesus had toward God (Philippians 2:5-11). This was practicalguidance given to a good congregation that needed to adjust some basicattitudes. Though they loved Christ and Paul (1:9), they inadequately lovedeach other. Selfishness, or conceit, or a sense of self-importancecharacterized many of them (2:2, 3). Two fine Christian women were inserious conflict. Each had provided Paul invaluable assistance “in thecause of the gospel” (4:2, 3). However, they failed to translate love forChrist into respect for each other.

Their relationship problems were rooted in attitudes. The problems would beaddressed productively if this happened: they identified, understood, andadopted the mind of Jesus Christ. Having the “mind of Christ” is the key tomaking godly mental and emotional adjustments. Two events in Jesus’ lifemust be understood if His “mind” is to reform our minds and impact ourrelationships. The first: his mind-set before entering this world. Thesecond: his mind-set as he faced and experienced the cross.

Preoccupation with blame and fault is a major curse. We are too easilyconsumed with a passion to assign fault and affix blame. In Jesus’willingness to be born and to die, the blameless Jesus was unconcerned aboutassigning fault or affixing blame.

Consider his crucifixion. Who was to blame? Who was at fault? Judas thebetrayer? Peter the denier? The twelve who fled? The religious leaderswho condemned Him? The multitudes who screamed for His death? Pilate whorefused to release Him? The soldiers who mocked, scourged, and executedHim? Adam and Eve who first rebelled? Humanity–because we all rebel and fail?Blame was unimportant, fault irrelevant. Evil had conquered everyone. Godmust satisfy divine justice to freely extend divine grace and unconditionalforgiveness. Only Jesus’ death could produce atonement and redemption.Jesus focused on that objective. Concern about fault and blame was adangerous distraction. So the dying Jesus refused to consider the grossinjustices surrounding His death. He placed those in God’s hands (1 Peter2:21-24).

Unconcerned about fault or blame, he said, “Father, forgive them; they donot understand what they are doing.” God, when we are victimized by ourpassion to assign fault or affix blame, forgive us. Help us be enveloped bythe mind of Jesus Christ.