“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:5
“In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:5, NIV translation.
What is a mindset?
A mindset is an established set of attitudes of a person concerning ones culture, values, philosophy, and spiritually. There are two types of mindsets.
Fixed mindset
Growth mindset
A fixed mindset refersto the beliefs, skills, and abilities that are set in stone and are unchangeable. They don’t understand that change is a constant part of life. A fixed mindset is a repeated mindset we’ve been practicing this way all our lives (if it’s not broken, there’s no need to change it). The focus is one thing and one thing only. You can’t change the mentality.
A growth mindset refers to a specific potential of energy fundamental to a concept. It relates to the gravitational potential a person possesses within themselves to receive more by developing talents; enhancing intelligence; prioritizing self-care; learning new skills to deepen knowledge; building a professional network; enhancing physical health; and communicating effectively. All of this comes through perseverance and practice. This is the mass of a person with potential high above the ground. You are not stuck in one thing and one thing only. You are highly above the norm.
- The person who looks to the ground will say I have a job. The person above the ground will say I have a career.
- The person who looks to the ground will say, ‘this is my house’; the person above the ground will say, ‘this is my home.’
- The person who looks to the ground will say, ‘I’m surviving’; the person above the ground will say, ‘I’m thriving.’
- The person who looks to the ground will say, ‘I have a savings account’; the person above the ground will say, ‘I have an investment.’
This is why Paul writes his letter to the Philippians to encourage them that whatever you do, rejoice in the Lord even in difficult situations or circumstances—because you are above the ground not to the ground.
The Apostle Paul is in prison, but he encourages the Philippians saying, ‘Even though I am in prison, you rejoice, because God is still working in me.
“Now I want you to know, that what has happened to me has advanced the gospel. So that 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: 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, intent on one purpose. Make my joy complete,” Philippians 2:1-2. Paul is asking the church to do this even in his difficulty, by being in the same mind as he, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent [wish or object] with one purpose. He asks them to show the same maturity that he shows. Paul explains how they can do this: ‘Do not do anything out of selfishness or pride, but, instead, with humility in thinking that you should consider the other person more important than yourself’ (Philippians 2:3).
