Being in the Same Mind in Christ

Lent

March 30, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
   did not regard equality with God
   as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
   taking the form of a slave,
   being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
   he humbled himself
   and became obedient to the point of death—
   even death on a cross. –Philippians 2:5-8

If you read these devotions regularly, you have probably figured out that I believe that God created each person with unique skills and talents and tasked us to each work to become the best person we can be within that framework. God also was generous enough to allow a wide spectrum of opportunities to develop our avocation. Growing to be seven feet tall does not destine one to play basketball. You might be the scientist that finds the cure for cancer. It also does not mean that you could not be a basketball star if your adult height is five foot three like Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues. He survived the challenges of poverty, a dangerous neighborhood, and an imprisoned father. After being an all-star in the NBA, he worked in several successful ventures. He founded the Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization “organized to assist vocationally bound students with scholarships and develop community outreach programs for at-risk families that address the most basic necessities” and “encourage youth and families by providing resources that emphasize stability and empower youth and families to reach their full potential, becoming well-rounded students and productive adult citizens.”**

Avocation is a subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one’s regular work, especially for enjoyment*. However, the best of all possible careers is when your purpose in life is your vocation fulfilling your avocation. It is rather like being in love with someone you love.

Jesus came into this world as God Incarnate, showing us how to fulfill our life purpose within our called avocation of doing our part in building the Beloved Community, which God initiated at creation. We can best accomplish that by [Letting] the same mind be in [us] that was in Christ Jesus.

How do we gain the same mind that was in Christ Jesus?

  • Do not exploit God for our own purposes.
  • Empty ourselves taking the form of a slave, thus allowing the Spirit to guide us.
  • Be humble.
  • Be obedient to the point of death.

Prayer: God, fill us with your Spirit as we strive to gain the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Amen.

*https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/avocation

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muggsy_Bogues

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.