Off & Running

21. Mindset Motivation

You only need to watch a typical night of television programs to see that humility is not a valued attribute in our society.  Whether it's drama, news or reality programs that you view, it's clear that everyone is out to be number one and they don't mind who they walk over to get there! If we were to live like that, it wouldn't make us much more advanced than the kind of animal behaviour we would see on a David Attenborough special!

However, if our society took its cues from Philippians 2, things would look very different:

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:1-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Pray:

Heavenly Father,

I thank You and praise You for sending Jesus to come into the world as the perfect example for us to follow. May I be joined together in perfect unity—with one heart, one passion, and united in one love with those around me. May we walk together with one harmonious purpose, so our hearts will be filled with increasing joy.

Lord I know that pride is often lurking inside of me so, free me from pride-filled opinions, I know they will only hinder unity.  With Your Spirit's help may I be able to put others first and view them as more important than myself. I choose to put aside every display of selfishness. May my day be marked by showing a greater concern for what matters to others, instead of merely caring for my own interests.

As I consider the example that Jesus has set before me, His mindset will be my motivation!

In His Name,
Amen.