Today let’s imagine the attitude of a praying church. And if you’re curious about what kind of

attitude that might be, here is a huge clue from God’s Word:

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not

consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by

assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had

come as a man, he humbled himself… (Philippians 2:5-8)

You may look at this verse and think, “There is absolutely no way that I can have the mind or

attitude of Christ!” Well, I agree. There is no way any of us can have the mind of Christ unless

we have invited Him into our hearts and into our MINDS! So, my suggestion is: let’s invite Him

into our minds.

How do we live that out – having the mind of Christ? The Scripture above gives us some

pointers about having the same attitude as Christ:

1 – He did not exploit His position. He could have prefaced every challenge by saying, “Do you

not realize who My Father is?” or “You may think you’re the king, but I’ve got news for you!” He

didn’t do that. Praying people in the praying church are not impressed by their positions of

responsibility. Those in authority who have the mind of Christ will not be exploiting their

positions of authority.

2 – Not only did Jesus not exploit His position, He went further still – He assumed the form of a

servant. Some in our modern culture might consider some tasks “beneath them.” If we are

operating with a Christ-like attitude, we do whatever is needed in the circumstance – even if that

means picking up a piece of trash someone dropped in the church hallway.



3 – He humbled Himself – this type of humbling does not imply belittling oneself. Instead, it

means esteeming others and valuing others above yourself. The believer operating with the

mind of Christ thinks of others first – their needs, their hurts, their hearts.

Father, please help our heart’s desire to be having in us the attitude of Christ – setting our

hearts and minds on things that are above – things that have kingdom importance – not

distracted by the trivial or inconvenient. I pray that we will each take our place in the body of

Christ with a servant heart and a humble spirit – valuing and affirming others as they do the

same. This I pray in the name of the One whose mind I want in my praying church . . . and in

me. Amen

By Judy Shrout