When we use this word our mind instinctively
goes to Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ
Jesus.” It is likely that very few verses of Scripture are more frequently that
this one when we come together week by week to remember the Lord, and very
rightly our minds are directed to that Blessed On who demonstrated, as none
other could, a humble mind. It was His from eternity. But there is a danger of
forgetting why Paul was led to write these words. This lovely letter, written by
the apostle to a church which he loved reveals that the church had within it
strife and contention. In 1:15–16, and in 2:3 he finds it necessary to urge that
nothing should be done “through strife and vainglory.” These expressions
indicate that some in the church were seeking to exalt themselves at the expense
of others. To counteract this manifestation of the old nature, he says, “Let
this mind be in you.” It is almost as though Paul would say, “ Let me show you
your Lord.” He then speaks of the decent from the throne of the universe to the
“death of the cross.” He draws attention to the fact that “He made Himself of no
reputation.” He went lower than any other ever did or could. He is in effect
saying, “How can you look at the cross and the humility demonstrated there, and
then assert yourself above others?”
One paraphrase of this verse expresses it as
follows, “let Christ Jesus be your example as to what your attitude should be.”
The Amplified Version pits it, “Let this same attitude and purpose and humble
mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Let Him be your example of humility.”