Thinking clearly

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

(The following quotations are from the English Version for the Deaf)

1. Recognize that you have everything -- Christ was equal with God and as Christians we are equal with Christ and therefore, perfect in God's eyes.

"Christ himself was like God in everything."

2. Recognize that our status with God is not the measure of our service on earth.

"But Christ did not think that being equal with God was something that he must keep."

3. Relinquish our our claim to piety.

"He gave up his place with God and agreed to be like a servant. He was born to be a man and became like a servant."

4. Recognize that the position requested of us by God requires humilty and obedience even if it leads to death.

"And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God. He obeyed even when that caused him to die. And he died on a cross."

5. Recognize that only true obedience is rewarded by God.

"Christ obeyed God, so God raised Christ to the most important place."

6. Remember that this mind is not something we create for ourselves, or assume, or contrive. It is of God and Him alone.

2:13 "God is working in you. God helps you want to do the things that please him. And he gives you the power to do these things."