You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5
Our small group read this scripture last night. It was an ouch for me. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…wow. The Amplified Bible states it this way: Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example of selfless humility].
As we talked about Lordship and obedience, this phrase stayed with me. Paul was writing to the church in Philippi concerning their relationship with each other. I have found, it is much easier keeping my attitude right with the Lord, than it may be with his people! One definition of attitude has to do with: a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior. (Oxford Dictionary).
This is difficult, isn’t it? In chapter 1, Paul writes: For i want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. This was one of his “prison” letters, but written with such joy and love you would never know that he was suffering. Paul’s whole attitude was set toward loving God and loving people. His heart (attitude) was to help them grow and experience the joy of their faith. (Phil 1:25).
Attitude is a choice. To have the attitude that Christ Jesus had is cultivated by wanting it. Our flesh can be so strong. This morning I struggled in my attitude about something. Why couldn’t they see things my way? As I prayed and struggled with the Lord about it, He said: “Those are my children. Not your problem”. Oops. I released them back into His loving parenthood. When I was a young parent, there was a lot of judgment and philosophy’s on so many different issues. Discipline, feeding, sleeping etc. all came with their own set of attitudes, and of course each parent felt they had the “right” way. I learned quickly, I was only responsible for my children and my decision to discipline or not the way I felt they needed. Trusting our Heavenly Father with His kids, is the same way!
Letting go of a judgmental attitude is crucial to have the attitude of Christ. (You know that critical attitude that comes from the place of negativity?) He alone is the judge. Asking Him to “parent” you in controversial matters is key. Searching His Word for His perspective is the best way to discover His attitude about a subject. Have you ever wondered why there are so many different denominations? One day I asked Him. I felt He reminded me about how many different restaurants were in our town. Most of them prepared some form of chicken. From Italian chicken Parmesan, Chinese stir fry, Japanese Teriyaki, they all started with the same type of bird. It depended on the taste of the eater, which one they selected. He said as long as each church prepared the “whole word of God”, it was acceptable. People have different tastes and He understands that. The most important thing is to commit to the church family He leads you to–knowing they won’t be perfect!
Developing the same humble attitude that Jesus had is so helpful when dealing with a critical attitude. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-7. NLT. Learning to serve others is often key to developing a Christlike attitude. The foot of the cross is a great leveler. Knowing the price of salvation was paid for me as it was/is for those I get frustrated with, helps me let go of my attitudes. It is a process and journey to grow to be like Him, but it is so worth it. I am grateful for His patience in my life, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit to remind me to adjust my attitude when needed!
Father, thank you for loving us in spite of our attitudes. Forgive our judgment, haughtiness and critical attitudes that do not reflect your love or care. Teach us to walk in humility with the same servants heart you had, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
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