The Mind of Christ

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:5 NKJV)"

"I am meek and lowly in heart." — Matthew 11:29.

We’ve all probably heard or read something about others who have great minds.  But in great minds, there should a beautiful blending of majesty and humility, magnanimity and lowliness. We should note that the mightiest and holiest of all Beings that ever lived in our world — was the meekest of all. The Ancient of Days — was as the "infant of days." When Christ came to earth He heard melody in the lisping of an infant's voice, or in an outcast's tears! Is it any wonder that an innocent lamb was His emblem, or that the anointing Spirit came down upon Him in the form of the gentle dove? He, being the Creator, had the wealth of worlds at His feet. He could summon the hosts of heaven to come to His aid with just one spoken word if He chose to do so. But all the pageantry of the world, all its dreams of carnal glory held for Him — not an ounce of fascination. You may recall when Satan, the Great Tempter, showed Him a wide scene of "splendid misery,” from a mountain-top, that He spurned both the thought and the adversary away! John and James in their haste would have been delighted to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village; He rebukes them for the vengeful suggestion! Peter, on the night of the betrayal, cuts off the ear of an assassin; the intended Victim, again, only challenges His disciple, and heals His enemy!

As He was arraigned before Pilate's judgment-seat, notice how meekly He bears numerous and nameless wrongs and indignities! Suspended on the cross — the cursing and denunciations of the multitude are feverishly rising around Him — but He hears as though He heard them not; they extract no angry look, no bitter word — "Behold the Lamb of God!" Do we need to wonder that "meekness" and "poverty of spirit" should stand foremost in His own cluster of beatitudes? Should we, also, wonder that He should select this among all His other qualities for the particular study and imitation of His disciples, "Learn from Me, for I am meek;" or that the apostle Paul should exhort us "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ! (2 Cor. 10:1)"

How different the world's maxims — and His! The world's maxim: "Repay the offenses, vindicate your honor!" His maxim: "Overcome evil with good!" The world's maxim: "Only let it be when for your faults you are buffeted, that you take it patiently." His maxim: "When you do well and suffer for it, you take it patiently; this is acceptable with God." (1 Pet. 2:20.)

Friends, strive to obtain, like your adorable Lord, this "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great price." Be "clothed" with gentleness and humility. Follow not the world's fleeting shadows, which mock you as you grasp them. If always aspiring, ever soaring on the wing, you are more than likely to become discontented, proud, and selfish! In whatever position of life God has placed you, be satisfied. What! Are you ambitious to be on a pinnacle of the temple, to be in a higher place in the Church, or in the world? Satan might hurl you down! "Be not high-minded — but fear." And with respect to others, honor their gifts; contemplate their excellences — only to imitate them. Speak kindly, act gently. "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

Be assured, there is no happiness that will be equal to that enjoyed by the "meek Christian." He has within him or her a perpetual inner sunshine, a perennial well-spring of peace. Never ruffled and fretted by real or imaginary injuries, he or she puts the best construction on motives and actions, and by a gentle answer to unmerited reproach — often disarms man's anger.

Prayer: O Heavenly Father, teach me by Your Holy Spirit and Your Word to imitate the meekness of Christ in my thoughts and actions. May I have the mind of Christ in those situations where I want to exalt myself? In Jesus Name. Amen.