Two Great Effects

One other text mentions “the mind of Christ” and points to two great effects of memorizing the mind of God.

Philippians 2:5, as the introduction to the famous “Christ hymn” of Philippians 2.6–11″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>Philippians 2:6–11, says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” And what will that mean? Two clear things in the immediate context are unity (Philippians 1.27–2.2″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>Philippians 1:27–2:2) and humility (Philippians 2.3–4″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>Philippians 2:3–4).

There is no better tuning fork for harmony in the body of Christ than the members striving together to conform their minds to the mind of Christ, not just with Christian concepts, but with the very words of God. Having the mind of Christ will make us catalysts for a community “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

And such “unity of mind” goes hand in hand with “a humble mind” in 1 Peter 3:8. Few things cultivate humility of mind like submitting our minds to the words of God by memorizing them. And so we become people ready to…

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2.3–4″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>Philippians 2:3–4)

Hide his words in your heart; build an arsenal for fighting temptation. But don’t miss the life-changing power today of memorizing the mind of God.