I Got A New Attitude
(Philippians 2:1-11 NLT)
Unity Begins with Christ
Philippians 2 calls the people of God into unity; oneness, not sameness. Paul points to encouragement from belonging to Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship in the Spirit, and tender, compassionate hearts. These are the roots of true oneness. Unity is not built by force, personality, preference, or shared enemies. It grows from life in Christ and love expressed in real relationships. The outcome is a people who agree wholeheartedly, love one another, and work together with one mind and purpose.
The Attitude That Changes Everything
The path, the “cheatcode” if you will, to this kind of unity is humility. Paul says not to be selfish, not to try to impress others, and not to look only to our own interests. Instead, we are called to think of others and take interest in them too. That sounds simple, but it cuts against the pride, comparison, jealousy, anger, and division that so often shape human relationships. A new attitude begins when the Spirit leads us away from self-centeredness and toward the love of Christ. Humility is the posture that makes unity possible.
The Mind of Christ
Paul gives the clearest picture of this new attitude by pointing to Jesus. Though He was God, Jesus did not cling to His divine privileges. He humbled Himself, took the position of a servant, came in human form, and obeyed the Father all the way to death on a cross. This is the mind of Christ. It is downward mobility for the sake of love. Jesus traded cosmic power and divine privilege for radical service. The way of the cross overturns every honor-obsessed value system and shows us what true greatness looks like.
What Are You Doing with Your Attitude?
The body of Christ is called to live this out together. We do not belong to ourselves. We were bought with a high price, and our lives are meant to honor God. This is not only individual. It is communal. The church is called to move with one mind and purpose, serving together in our communities and around the world. When pride rules, we make a mess. When humility leads, we pick up the rag and serve. The question is simple and personal: what are you doing with your attitude?
— Jordan Brown
Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church