What does “the mind of Christ” means? It pertains to one’s inner thought—a priori—basically, a mindset of Christlikeness. Specifically, in this context basing on Philippians 2:1-5, it points to humility—a selfless kind of attitude. This Christlike character is the one that “values others above themselves” (v. 4).
Christ’s mind does not merely think about oneself but rather prioritizing the interests of others (v. 5). Christ entered history for the redemption of humanity. Even though humanity rebelled against their Creator, God initiated the reconciliation between them by giving up his life. This act is the only salvific hope for us.
By “taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness” (2:7), Christ—the God-incarnate—shows how much He loves His people (Jn 3:16). Paul then calls Christ’s followers to have this mindset. Think for the benefits of others; not for your entitled, prideful, conceited cause. So even in a life and death situation, Christians should think about other’s safety than themselves.
When Paul uttered “to live is Christ and to die is gain…[Even though] I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body (1:21, 23); Richard Sibbes noted, “A Christian is a happy man in his life, but happier in his death because he goes to Christ; but happiest of all in heaven, for then he is with Christ.” Paul desired to see Christ sooner but he assured that he will choose to live for the benefit of the others—the church.
Reflecting upon these thoughts, may we all have the mind of Christ. Thinking about the interests of others over ourselves. We may think about good things for ourselves but let us think better and greater things for our neighbors. Even Christ emphasized that Christians ought to “love their neighbors” (Mark 12:31) and “bless and pray for them” (Luke 6:27-30); then Paul said, “be kind and forgive to them” (Eph. 4:32) and encourage or build them up (1 Thess. 5:11). These qualities reveal having the mind of Christ.
You are valuable but our faith demands looking beyond ourselves by looking for others’ value as well.
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John&Paul's Reflections 