Pearls of Great Value

Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.         Phil 1:27

 

Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus

                                                                 Phil 2:5

 

Attitude (Greek definition): phroneō: to think, to mind, to be of opinion. To be in a certain frame of mind; set the mind on. To entertain sentiments or inclinations of a specific kind

 

As I was reading the Greek explanation of the word attitude, these words jumped out at me:To entertain sentiments or inclinations of a specific kind. Entertain. That’s an interesting word. 

You see, I am to live my life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ and I am to make my attitude that of Him. How do I do that? The word entertain gives me a good idea. It’s simple, really. Who and what am I entertaining and letting entertain me?

To entertain, means to show hospitality to, to receive guests. It’s to provide(someone) with amusement or enjoyment. To give attention and consideration to( an idea, suggestion or feeling).

So...I have to ask this question: Who am I entertaining? Who am I inviting into my heart, to sit at my table? Which thoughts and feelings am I giving attention to and showing hospitality to?

 As sons and daughters of God, we can’t be inviting anyone and anything into the home of our hearts that isn’t Christ-like or Christ minded. When Paul says in Phil 2: Make your attitude that of Christ Jesus, the key word is “ Make”. Having the same mindset as Jesus doesn’t just come upon us in the blink of an eye. We have a part to play, and it starts with the “guests”at our table. 

We can’t be entertaining doubt and fear,and at the same time expect faith to grow. Fear contaminates faith! We can’t be entertaining laziness and expect to grow in knowledge and grace. We can’t be entertaining worldly passions and expect purity to reign in our lives. We can’t show hospitality to hatred, to strife and jealousy. These guests steal and destroy. Goodness, love and peace can’t grow in their atmosphere. 

What and who we entertain? Is also what will grow in our lives. Let us entertain good guests: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Then you and I will be showing the world the mind and attitude of Christ Jesus; the way of heaven upon earth!

 

A life sold out to Jesus Christ, is a life that is living out-loud the Word, reflecting the one to whom the heart is given.

 

Phil 2: 6-8 gives us: 

The mind of Christ:

1. Willing to sacrifice. (Phil 2:6-7)
2. Willing to serve. ( Phil 2:7)
3. Willing to submit. ( Phil 2:8)
4. Willing to suffer. ( Phil 2:8)

 Let this mind be in you!