Having a Mature Mindset

JB and Maude Chapman's rocking chairs. 

Scripture:

Phil. 3:¹⁵ Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. ¹⁶ Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

Observation:

In the original language verse 15 begins with “therefore.” This creates a connection to what Paul has just said in the previous section where he has been telling them about his spiritual journey. His own life is laid out in such a way that it follows the pattern of Christ in chapter 2. Now that he has placed before the Philippians the pattern of Christ, and then of his own life, he draws them into the story. He had been speaking in the first-person singular, but now in the first-person plural. He is not pointing any fingers but includes himself in the on-going process of becoming like Christ. 

Flemming comments: 

Such a mature Christian mind is both appropriate and available to Christians now. Yet those who are “perfect” in this sense are constantly and deeply aware that they have not yet reached their final goal, when they will be fully conformed to the likeness of Christ (vv 12, 21). Wesley aptly comments on these verses: “There is a difference between one that is perfect, and one that is perfected. The one is fitted for the race, ver. 15; the other, ready to receive the prize” (n.d., 512).(NBBC, 257-258)

This is a call to maturity, not just individually, but collectively. Those who have been following Christ for a longer period of time are to be growing spiritually and into the mindset of Christ. Maturity will be visible in the community by way of harmony and mutual cooperation, even if there are differences of opinion. For Paul, correct thinking (the mindset of Christ) is perfection, which will always lead to right living. That’s why their lives are to always conform to their knowledge of Christ. 

This is about encouragement in the progress the church has already made in their spiritual growth and development, but urging them onto continual progress. There is still so much more to be gained in knowing Christ. 

Application:

Many an immature mindset has created havoc in the life of the church. When discussions become focused on “my wants,” and “my rights” we are not reflecting the mind of Christ. Jesus wrestled with the temptation to satisfy his own desires. The enemy came to him in the wilderness and laid before him everything that might fulfill the wants of his humanity: food, material wealth, and power, and yet, Jesus resisted. 

The humility of Christ lived out in the life of Paul becomes the example for us all. This is the kind of life we are supposed to live. We are not supposed to be fighting for our own rights, but we are to humble ourselves in loving service to others, always preferring their needs above our own. 

Along the way we may not all think alike about things. Paul knew this to be true, but he also knew that if the entire community was seeking to know the mind of Christ, God would reveal truth to them. The call is to a life of genuine openness and humility before God: a person who is “constantly and deeply aware that they have not yet reached their final goal” but who is willing to continually press on, knowing that there will be a day when they see Christ face to face, and in that moment will be perfected. 

Prayer:

Lord, I press on. May you work in me that my mindset may become more like you and may this be revealed in the way I live every day. Amen.