Philippians 2:1-11 -- The Submissive Mind

More about the single mind today.  It is “the secret of joy in spite of circumstances.”  Verse 3 also says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”  My commentary said this speaks of having a submissive mind.  Humility must be understood as not thinking poorly of oneself, but simply not thinking of oneself at all.  “The truly humble person knows himself and accepts himself.  He yields himself to Christ to be a servant to use what he is and has for the glory of God and the good of others.”

It points out that a submissive mind doesn’t mean we place ourselves at the beck and call of others.  It isn’t being a religious doormat.  “If we have the single mind of Philippians 1, then we will have no problem with the submissive mind of Philippians 2.”

A person with a submissive mind thinks of others, not himself.  And simply thinking of others isn’t enough.  “We must get down to the nitty-gritty of true service” – putting the submissive mind in action.  It also requires sacrifice.  “The test of the submissive mind is not just how much we are willing to take in terms of suffering, but how much we are willing to give in terms of sacrifice… It is one of the paradoxes of the Christian life that the more we give, the more we receive; the more we sacrifice, the more God blesses.  This is why the submissive mind leads to joy; it makes us more like Christ … When love is the motive, sacrifice is never measured or mentioned!  The person who constantly talks about his sacrifices does not have the submissive mind.”

Finally, such a person glorifies God … The person with the submissive mind, as he lives for others, must expect sacrifice and service; but in the end, it is going to lead to glory … The joy comes … primarily from the knowledge that we are glorifying God.”

Father, help me to put myself aside, to serve others, and to know the joy of glorying You through service.  Don’t let it even fell like sacrifice.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford