‘Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ – Philippians 2:5-11
Your Christianity has to do with your knowing Christ, your relationship, and your communion with Him. There are so many things that try to take the place of knowing Him, but Christianity is a life that we live. It’s not just a faith or a confession. We are to be like Christ.
You cannot come into the gospel without it changing you. Life cannot speak louder than the truth. Who you are and how you’re doing should not be dictated by life and circumstances but rather by truth Himself: Jesus Christ.
BE MORE LIKE HIM
There is nobody that should wear out the Christ that is in you. You should wake up every day and aim to be more like Him. Your day should not be dependent on how others treat you. Each day is an opportunity to be more like Him, rather than getting people to like or love you. It should be less about you and more about Him.
If Jesus had that mentality of only focusing on what was wrong and what He was going through then He would be a mess every single day. There has to be a way to think, see and look like Him and actually believe Him.
There is no scripture where Jesus took life personally. He didn’t carry the cross and suddenly stop halfway to say He wasn’t doing it anymore. He didn’t complain or say that too much was being asked of Him. Even when the crowd chose Barabbas, He did not contest it or question it.
LIVE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The gospel offers profound transformation. Instead of prioritizing self, prioritize the kingdom of God. This means letting go of personal desires and living fully for Him.
You can break free from bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, and frustration. It’s a mistake to let these feelings define you; they don’t align with your true self or His essence.
You are created in His image, and your unity with Him is paramount. 1 John 3:2-3 affirms, “Now we are children of God. While our ultimate form remains a mystery, we believe that when Christ returns, we will mirror His glory. Those who hold this hope seek purity, just as He is pure.”
Embrace the renewal He offers by shedding the old and adopting the new, consistently. His gift of life is meant for this purpose. He transcends time and description. You could spend hours contemplating His nature and still barely scratch the surface. His magnificence is boundless and authentic.
To truly live anew, surrender your will, bear your cross, and follow Him. Refuse to let external circumstances or past wounds govern your emotions. You’re here with a divine purpose: to radiate His light. Never let others’ wrongdoings incite wrongdoing in you. Overcome evil with good.
Reject any force that seeks to subtly control or define you. Let Jesus alone be your Lord.
TRUE FREEDOM
To achieve genuine freedom, you must release the hindrances that bind you. Living for self-centered desires keeps you in chains. Your spiritual essence is likened to a cup, anointed and endlessly filled by Him. As you give, He replenishes; ensuring you never run dry. Your spirituality isn’t about the capacity of the cup, but the abundant overflow. When others tap directly into your reserves, you risk depletion. Remember, your ministry isn’t your sole identity. Your true essence lies in Christ within you. While titles, anointings, or gifts are blessings, they aren’t the core of who you are. They’re merely tools to honor His name and purpose.
Being a Christian demands selflessness. To truly bear your cross, you must deny the ego. Your existence is not for personal gain but for His glory. With this mindset, your interactions, even with those who’ve wronged you, undergo a transformation. Your perspective shifts, prioritizing love over personal opinions. Mundane irritations lose their sting as you’re enveloped in a new, divinely-inspired consciousness. You have a new and living way and His name is Jesus.
Challenges and tragedies might come your way, but remember, He remains unchanging and ever-present.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
How can you become more like Him? Are you denying your cross and following Him? Are you leaving behind your old ways of doing things?
Are you allowing life and circumstances to dictate your feelings and how you treat others? Are you ready for the gospel to change you?
