1 Peter 4:7b Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled, so that you can pray.
To have the mind of Christ simply means that we must think like Jesus. Before we talk and walk our thoughts must change. The sum of all your thoughts comprises your overall attitude – John C Maxwell. Attitude must transform before actions can be affected. The mind of Christ was clothed with “humility”. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8). The Creator took the human clothing(flesh&blood) of His creation to restore the relationship that was broken by sin. For Jesus to put on the earth-suit in the form of a human, was like a Prince relinquishing His royalty and putting on the hat of a peasant. The humility of Jesus brought salvation to humanity. The greatest temptation of Jesus to exercise His powers was not in the desert when He was tempted by the devil but was on the cross. One word from the cross would have brought brimstone and fire from Heaven on the murderers and set Him free from the physical affliction. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. -C. S. Lewis. Humility is putting purpose above pride.
When 90% of the sum total of our thoughts a day is about plans, purpose and prospects to build, bless and bestow, then our attitude will automatically wear the bright, beautiful bridal clothing of humility.
Three ways to dress our minds with the garments of humility:
1. Self-control: Self-control is mind-control. If thoughts run wild, unbridled and uncontrolled, the lifestyle will be out of control. Sober-minded are self-controlled. Self-control does not mean being submissive, passive and subservient; it simply means being focused. It means being clear-headed and not controlled or manipulated by the opinions of others. When Jesus saw the sick, possessed or oppressed He set them free. The interpretations of the religious leaders did not affect the compassion of Jesus. The humble cannot be manipulated by opinions or judgement of others but are self-controlled and sober-minded.
2. Sympathy: Sympathy does not help, only selfless sacrifice does. Jesus knew their thoughts, and He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” The biased proud Pharisees could not stop Jesus from healing a man who was the disabled on the Sabbath. The miracle made the religious leaders furious but Jesus put the needy above Himself. Humility is not just with sympathy, it is expressed in selfless sacrifice.
3. Superiority: Jesus exhibited supremacy not superiority. He did not dumb the mouth of the accusers but He had meaningful discussions to enlighten their understanding. Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9). The frenzy of the Pharisees arose when they could not give a bona-fide reply to their ostentatious tradition. 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Humility is respectful and gentle, not arrogant and argumentative.
The boastful, brash and braggers are far from embracing the mind of Christ. Put on the garment of humility; be self-controlled, sober-minded to reflect the Master’s mind.
Proverbs 27:2 Don’t brag about yourself, let others praise you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me how to be meek yet not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid and gracious, not brash. Keep me humble, selfless and self-controlled. Amen.
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