How Can We Aim to Have the Same Attitude as Jesus?
By Meg Bucher
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” - Philippians 2:5
How can we aim to have the same attitude as Jesus? The word ‘attitude’ brings a new thread to the fabric of following Jesus. My attitude? Not just what shows on the outside, but what’s happening inside? Eek.
Jesus is the only one who will ever live a perfect life on this earth, internal attitude and all. God isn’t asking us to be perfect or even to chase perfection. Our purpose is to follow Jesus, attitude and all, the best we can, yielding to the Holy Spirit for the power to change and grow as time marches on.
The apostle Paul knew what it was like to participate in a change of heart and internal attitude! He went from hating Christ’s followers to becoming one who ran after Him the hardest. In his letter to the Philippians, we can find some great reminders and instructions on how to aim for the same attitude as Jesus.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Here are eight ways we can aim to have the same attitude as Jesus:
1. Love God. Love People.
“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” – Philippians 2:2
When our priorities are in order, we are better equipped to make choices that honor God and each other.
2. Pursue Humility
“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
Humility is hard to achieve, but we were made to keep Christ at the center of our lives and look outward to help others.
3. Follow Jesus
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” – Philippians 2: 5
This was 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
4. Work Hard with Holy Fear
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.” – Philippians 2:12
Working hard at what God gives us to do keeps us busy doing things that honor God.
5. Be Grateful
“Do everything without complaining and arguing” – Philippians 2: 14
Thankfulness is the best antidote to grumbling.
6. Obey God
“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” – Philippians 2:15
We shine bright when we obey God’s call on our lives.
7. Prioritize God
“Hold firmly to the word of life.” – Philippians 2:16
Make time to be still with God in prayer and in His Word. Listen to Him and embrace and apply His instruction.
8. Be Joyful
“Yes, you should rejoice.” – Philippians 2:18
Godly joy doesn’t dim when things get hard but reminds us to rejoice regardless.
Let’s Pray:
Father,
We really need Your help and Your Holy Spirit to empower us to change and grow… especially regarding our inward attitudes! You know every thought! Sometimes, that’s embarrassing! Our thoughts attempt to go rogue on us, leaving a wake of destructive thought cycles and outward twisted faces. Help us to get a handle on our attitudes, God. Help us to follow Jesus and aim to have the same attitude that He did. Father, remind us that perfection is impossible for us and a standard You are never holding us to on this earth. But our hope in Jesus is that we are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit daily as we submit our lives to Jesus and commit to following Him. Give us the ability to embrace grace and pass it on to others—plant hearts of forgiveness and patience in us. Make us humble and give us a good dose of holy fear daily. Fill our lives with Your Spirit and impart Your Word to us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/thekopmylife
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Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
The process of success is not hidden. It is on display for anyone to see. However, it is a daily grind that requires a great deal of work that is tedious and often uncomfortable. Successful people simply do the work. They embrace the grind and everything that comes with it. Ultimately, successful people understand this truth - Hope doesn’t produce change. Habits do! Everyone has the desire, but many lack the necessary discipline! That’s why today on The Built Different Podcast we have a very special guest who understands the importance of discipline and habits at a very high level. Don’t just focus on changing the thoughts in your head and the habits in your life, but also allow God to transform your heart from the inside out. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Built Different Podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube so you never miss an episode!
