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Aug 22, 2021

Sharing the Same Mind

Sharing the Same Mind

Passage: Philippians 2:1-5

Speaker: Rev. Michael Pestel

Series: Joy

Sharing the Same Mind by Michael Pestel Philippians 2:1-5

Joy is the faithful companion that carries us between the happy moments and through the tough ones. 

Joy is rooted in belief of a bigger picture and grows out of what we believe.

Joy is found in sharing the same mind with Jesus and others. 

When we get on the same page, share the same perspective, have the same ethical framework as Jesus Christ, it unlocks some spring of joy in us and among us. 

Bible scholars tell us that Paul is so keyed on this because there is probably a fair amount of discord happening with his beloved people in Philippi.

That a lack of unity, that deep disagreement among people can make joy seem to be in pretty short supply.

The scriptures point toward the idea that if I can align my mind with Christ, and we can do that together, we can start to see joy flourish.

Share the same mind.

Having the same mind gets connected in these Philippians 2 verses to “encouragement” “consolation” “love” “compassion and sympathy” pretty directly here “be of the same mind, have the same love” we also have “nothing from selfish ambition or conceit” “humility” and “look to the interests of others.”

Sharing this kind of “mind” is really sharing a life posture. 

"Your reputation is what people think of you. Your character is what God knows about you." -Bobby Bowden

The true self. 

Let your true self be aligned with Jesus. 

When the true self is aligned with Jesus and the community in things like compassion, sympathy, love, humility, looking to the interest of others, it is inevitable that joy becomes palpable.  

How do we find that alignment and joy in a society that is deeply divided on so many things?

  1. Identify those matters that we consider significant where I expect like-mindedness
  2. Reflect: Are these matters rooted in the love of people? The care of people? What does my belief reveal about my character? Is my character in alignment with Jesus?

Paul illustrates his point by writing down lyrics to a song, the "kenosis" hymn = "the hymn of emptying" (Phil 2:6-11)

  1. Jesus empties himself of his privileges and rights.
  2. He is not responsible, but takes responsibility for fixing the problem he did not create.
  3. He does his part to bridge the gap. He chose love.
  4. Responsibility for the sake of another person can never really be forced among any of us, it can only be accepted.

As mind, spirit, and hand (actions) are postured toward the sake of my neighbor, the more the presence of joy is expanded in and around me.

To God be the glory.

Prayer: Lord God, your joy is our strength. You turn mourning to dancing. You humble the proud and exalt the lowly. You bring light and warmth when things seem particularly cold and in the shadows. It's all by your grace, your kindness, your compassion. We live in gratitude and may we live in response. Sharing your mind, your perspective, your heart of love for your people. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.