We know the expression, “their mind is set.” That generally means someone has a definite opinion about something and is not open to considering change. The scriptures encourage us to “have this mind (or attitude) in you which was in Christ Jesus—although He was God—He humbled Himself in obedience to God.” (Philippians 2:5-8) Jesus had a mindset that was fixed on obedience to God. We are encouraged to take a similar mindset. Most of our stubborn, jaw clenched and body stiff “mindsets” are a result of our opinions about things of this world. We get hot and bothered, tense and uptight, and also hot under the collar over personal preferences, our treasured traditions, and our comfortable habits. Believers are called to a different response. When our mind is set on things above we are instructed to humble ourselves concerning things on earth. We are to do “nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind (mindset) let each of us regard others as more important than himself. Do not merely look out for your own interests but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3) What a fabulous mindset! We are to be wise about our own lives but at the same time we are to put the wellbeing of others as a priority. We are not to be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly use but just the opposite. Because our mind is set on God’s loving provision for us, we are freed to have a mindset for others.
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