If you are anything like me, you probably need an attitude adjustment from time-to-time. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” In other words, he is saying, have the same attitude that Christ had. Would it not be wonderful to face life’s challenges and difficulties with the same attitude as Christ?
Paul goes on to tell us how Christ is the example for every believer. Paul identifies how the attitude Jesus had was one of humility. His humility brought Him from the throne room of Heaven to the selfishness and sinfulness of earth. He explains in verses six and seven how Christ did not count equality with God something to hold onto. Instead, He emptied Himself and took on the likeness of man in order to redeem humanity from our sin.
Remember in verse five, Paul says this same attitude can be ours through Christ Jesus. In other words, we can accept and walk in humility the way Christ did. This becomes even more exciting when you realize how obedience is the result of humility. Note verse eight, “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Link the biblical logic of humility in verse seven and obedience in verse eight. The same is true for ourselves. We will live out obedience only when we are walking in humility.
Following the progression of Paul’s thinking in Philippians two, note verse thirteen, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” So, what is the work God desires to do in us? The work is to shape us into the image of Christ by having the same mind or attitude that leads us in humility and obedience. No wonder Paul calls this “to will and to work for his good pleasure.” The more humble you grow, and the more obedience you produce, the more God is glorified.