“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:5.
The word ‘mindset’ involves having the right attitude about what is important and essential in the way you look at life and the way you handle situations—to have the right mental health and attitude in life with the right ‘mindset.’ There are two mindsets, fixed mindset and growth mindset.
Fixed mindset is the mindset of knowing. I know what I’m doing; I will show that I am good at what I’m capable of doing; and what I do in life comes naturally.
Growth mindset involves forever learning, e.g.: my focus is to learn the lessons, not just make the best grades. The key is to learn, not simply to receive. When you receive, you achieve. Growth mindset involves working hard and putting forth an effort to achieve success in life.
“In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:5, NIV.
In 2024, there are 47.9 million Blacks in the United States alone. This number has increased by 32% since the year 2000.
But the sad truth is that Black youth from age 12-17 are more than five times likely to be detained or exposed to juvenile violence. This greatly reduces their chances of successfully joining society as professionals and having a family by 2030.
Unemployment among Black men will reach an all time high in 2045.
Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians to encourage them to rejoice even in difficult circumstances. Paul is in prison, and he encourages the Philippians to do as he does by rejoicing. Because God was still working for Paul.
He told them that ‘what has happened to me has advanced the gospel. It has become known everywhere that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most of the brothers have confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly’ (Philippians 1:12-14).
The church at Philippi was commendable for several reasons. They were in ‘Followship, Fellowship, and Relationship.’
“If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, and the intent for one purpose. Make my joy complete,” Philippians 2:1-2.
Paul is asking the church to do this in spite of his difficulty—by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit. Their intent (wish or object) should be of one purpose. He told them that they could help him by showing the maturity that he was during his imprisonment. Paul explains how they can do this.
“Do not do anything out of selfishness or pride but instead with humility in your thinking in that you should consider the other person more important than yourself,” Philippians 2:3.
Everyone should look out not only for their own interests, but also for the interests of others.
This is looking out!
There are 99 HBCUs in America: 50 are public and 49 are nonprofit institutions.
Eighty-two percent of Black men provide for their families and work hard each day.
There are more youth in the college age group using their minds instead of just ‘living for the moment’ as shown by there being 2,717,000 Blacks enrolled in higher education. This number has changed from 36% to 40% in the age group of 18 to 24. We are moving up when 1,591,000 Black women have earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in higher education.
When you look out for each other, your life will not be distracted, diverted or tormented by hindering spirits that block the move of God’s will in your life. There can be a demonic attack against you so you will not have the consciousness that builds a relationship with God and each other. Keep looking out for each other and keep looking up!
