In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5 NIV)
Perspectives and attitudes are sometimes hard to challenge, and they lead to fixed conclusions. Conclusions are drawn about who is right and who is wrong and may be based on our view of the other, our personal experience, or the community with which we, or they, identify. Out of our own experience we may come to a fixed conclusion about something, and this determines our attitude. Perspectives and attitudes are in the words of Paul ‘our mind’!
In Philippians 2: 5-8, Paul invites us to ‘have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus’ which he affirms does:
‘not regard equality with God as something to be exploited…’ but consists in
‘emptying himself… as a servant… in human likeness … in human form…’.
‘humbling himself and becoming obedient…’
It is striking that this ‘mind in Christ’ enabled him to be truly one with us. Christ’s perspective was shaped to deeply relate with those around him (humanity). What flows from this is summarised in the relationship framework outlined by Paul in Philippians 2:1-4.
Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)
Relationships with others, whether individually or corporately, change when this framework is used. It is very challenging to do so. We begin to let things that are important to us become secondary so we can be in relationship with others.
Our collective communal well-being is not determined by who is right or in control. Nor is determined by who has the loudest voice or the most money. It is determined by our letting go of our preferences and assumptions so that we may find joy through being in relationship with others as Christ was.
Rev John Gilmore
NCCA President