Read: Philippians 2:5-11

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” –Philippians 2:5

Philippians 2 is partly a description of how we are to engage in our relationships as Jesus followers. Verse 5 tells us to have “this mind,” referring back to the mind described in verses 1-4 (unity in love and mind; unselfish; humble, realistic view of self, giving, outward focusing) and forward to the perfect mind of Christ in verses 6-11 (sacrificially giving, servant, radical humility). Truly, this call to radical humility is about as counterintuitive and countercultural as it comes!

I wonder what our Lenten theme – hope – means in this context. I find these verses to be beautiful, but daunting and not very hopeful implementation-wise to my human mind. This Jesus brand of humility is far beyond my reach and I can feel defeated! The minute I try to be more humble, I am less humble because my mind starts thinking of myself, my own abilities, my importance, or significant lack thereof! Me, me, me, me, me, me, me! My only hope, as is my usual lesson, is in the Spirit developing “this mind” in me. Even when I seek God, my ridiculous self-reliance rears its less-than-humble head!

Lord, you don’t turn away from my selfish places, but you are also not satisfied to leave them be, thank you for insisting on growth even when I quake at your call. I need your wisdom to know what your mind of humility looks like in my relationship with others, and your Spirit to make it possible. Amen.
-Nicole Smith