“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:5)

Philippians 2 has a lot to say about attitude. Sometimes we tell our children to change their attitudes when the whining sets in. Sometimes our culture will celebrate a “tough-guy” attitude. As defined, an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Paul tells us that we should have the same attitude as Christ Jesus, and then he begins to break down and describe Christ’s attitude.

“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:6-11)

Paul describes Jesus’ attitude as an attitude of obedience and service, a selfless attitude to a degree never seen before or since. To save us, Jesus gave up His divine privileges in obedience to God the Father. C.S. Lewis, in his book, Mere Christianity, put it this way: “The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man-- a real man of particular height, with hair of a particular color, speaking a particular language, weighing so many stone. The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a fetus inside a Woman's body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab.”

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

“Do everything without complaining and arguing,” (Philippians 2:14)

How much different would each day be if we strived to obey this one verse? “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” How often do you complain about something during the day? The traffic, stuff at work, things about your co-workers or your boss, the weather, things at home, what you have to eat, your bank account, etc. How often to you argue about things, whether in person or online? How often do you argue with friends, co-workers, or your spouse? What if you had an attitude like that of Christ Jesus? What if you humbled yourself and thought of others as better than you? What if you took an interest in others? A change in attitude will make it much easier to do everything without complaining and arguing.

“But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.” (Philippians 2:17)

Our lives should be our offering to God (Romans 12:1). Paul said he would rejoice even if he lost his life because his life had been an offering to God. He ran the race with perseverance, not in vain. Could you adopt an attitude like this, being content with death because you knew you ran the race with perseverance, that you gave yourself up as a holy offering to God? If we live a life in service and obedience to God, if we run the race with perseverance, then we can have this attitude of joy that Paul described.

Remember that attitude is typically reflected in a person’s behavior. What does your behavior say about your attitude? Do you have an attitude like Christ, a selfless, servant attitude, striving to be obedient to God in all things and at all costs? Our attitudes will be reflected in our behavior, so let us strive each day to have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed