The mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

 who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,

 but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

 he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death—

even death on a cross.

 Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name

that is above every name,

 so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

 and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

What does it mean

to empty oneself?

How can we shed

our sense of self,

our sense of importance,

our sense of identity?

How can we become like Christ?

Empty enough

to don humility

and to take on

the character of God.

What would it mean

to be obedient

to the point of death,

the death of self.

The death

of human desire

to be loved

and recognised.

Death that allows

for service.

Dead to self

and open fully to God.

Journeying with Christ

in hope 

that the nature of Jesus

will rub off

and be born in us.

Bringing the light of love

into every situation - 

Even the cross we bear

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.