17th January
MORNING CONTEMPLATION
TOPIC: LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU
TEXT: PHIL. 2:3-5

''Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves./Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others./ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:''

The word, 'mind' in v5 of our text means, attitude, way of thinking or disposition. Christ, in the days of His flesh, had a certain and clear parten of thinking--He had a notable and identifiable heart disposition that ruled His actions and words. From our text, we have an insight into that mindset--He lived with no eye on His own interest. All that He did and taught, were for the good of others. He ruled Himself out; and accepted to die for others' crime. All that would come after Christ and take Him as their Lord, are enjoyed to deny themselves and live for others. Living for others, is the path that all true believers must walk. A christian is called upon to be in possession of public spirit, bearing loads that are for others. The world should have a claim on the saints as creature has on the sun, moon and stars; for the saints are the light of the world. No saint is expected to be of a narrow mind: though he walks in a narrow path, He should be with a broad heart; loving both fiends and friends. Many saints know not anybody except themselves: they pray and fast for and by themselves; their minds are full of their own needs, expending energy on themselves, with the result that they reserve no more strenght to help others. These lack that mind or disposition which was in Christ Jesus. Christ left glory above and came down to die like a criminal for all men. It is a low, brut, beasty and base life for a man to have his heart full of his needs only as to not have a single space for others. He whose heart is fully taken up with himself alone, would be sure to be set aside and be of no use to God and men. He who follows Christ, must empty his heart of self and personal gains. Christ sets humanity first before himself. Brothers, you see, this way of thinking--this attitude and disposition, let it continuously be within and among us--or, as an imperative: So let this minding be habitually be within us– which is also within Christ Jesus! Let a man write himself down, yes, let him see himself as not different from a senseless swine, who minds only himself and would not use even a finger to lift up another's load off his neck. It is a glorious life to carry another's burden; he who bears his neighbour's interests on his shoulder has minifestly shown that he walks amongst angels and the spirits of just men made perfect; a god in the likeness of men, and worthy to be called 'The delight of all.'

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Ojoje Adeyi