Imitators of Christ

(Our theme for October)

Philippians 2:5  

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

What does it mean to have the same mind as Christ Jesus? We do our best to try to emulate his actions — feeding the hungry, donating to the poor, helping the oppressed. But does that really give us the same mind as Christ? This seems to be a higher call. Do the good deeds of Christ, but do them for the right reason. That’s a tall order. Am I making that donation to charity because there is a tax write-off? Do we feed others just to feel like we’re good people, or because we see that they are hungry? Are we helping the oppressed out of a sense of obligation? Or more challenging, which oppressed people are we helping? The ones with whom we agree? 

Goodness! That’s enough to give someone an existential crisis! Luckily, Paul goes on to give a bit more instruction, describing how Christ humbled himself, emptied himself, and, regardless of his divinity, lowered himself to humanity. In other words, it’s a reminder to not see ourselves as better than anyone else. Maybe that’s a good start down the road to having the same mind as Christ. 

Until we are there, I think we should heed the advice that many are given when learning a new skill: “fake it until you make it.” In other words, do the thing until it becomes part of you.

When I first was learning to conduct music, I felt like a fraud — what business did I have doing this? I’m not Bernstein or Toscanini! But through thorough study and lots of practice, I got better. Am I the world’s best conductor today? Of course not; I may not be the best conductor I know. But I have reframed my self-image into someone who doesn’t feel fraudulent, in fact, into someone who unashamedly identifies himself as a conductor.

However, when I feel that I’m doing pretty well, the gift of experience comes along and challenges that assertion, reminding me to practice humility. See, the irony is that we can’t get better at things unless we admit our shortcomings. We can’t improve until we’re honest about in what ways we need to improve. At the same time, if we see the new skill as insurmountable, or ourselves as a lost cause, we also will not be able to improve. Therefore, we have to engage in honest self-reflection, admitting what needs improvement and what is getting better. Humility, after all, isn’t just self-effacement. It’s honesty about where our shortcomings are in an effort to be better. Perhaps, then, having the mind of Christ, at least as a starting point, is to humble ourselves in an honest way, being truthful about our motivations, being mindful of our goals, and trying to improve. And, of course, praying for God’s guidance to help us do better. 

Let us pray:

God, we pray that you help us work toward having the mind of Christ Jesus. Give us the motivations, kindness, and humility he had. Until we are there, help us to be ever more Christlike in our thinking through honest, humble reflection. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Dwight Dockery.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.