Daily Encouragement - August 10

Philippians 2:5

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.

This verse was part of the verses I chose for my first encouragement note back in March. While it is certainly true that lots has happened since then, we need to remind ourselves that some things have not changed. One of the most important is that God loves us. Jesus knew God in ways that we will never totally understand, yet that knowing was a part of all he did while with us. Jesus experienced times of lonely isolation, betrayal, lack of understanding by his closest followers, opposition from the religious leaders of his time, people who looked to him for what they could get from him without considering what that would cost, and a general misunderstanding of why he came to us. God so loved, that Jesus was sent to change our understanding of what our relationship could be. He knew what God’s plan was. He knew what his part in that plan required. He became an example that all of us can follow.

So, what mind changing has this virus and its implications encouraged. We have become more aware of the need to be at peace with ourselves. Enforced separation from what we’ve been used to has forced us to change the ways we relate, spend our time, make decisions that we have not had to make before, and considered that our priorities just might  need some adjustment. Jesus taught and exampled what our mind set can and should be. He let us know that what he said and did came from God, and we have a relationship with God that is not of our own doing or even choosing.  

These mind set adjustments include being less selfish, more concerned with others, more humble, and more concerned with doing the right thing, even when we aren’t always sure what that might mean. During this time of inconsistency, we have learned that change is not one of many options; it is part of what becomes a new normal. While we wait and pray that things will settle down, we can give thanks for what does not change. God still loves us, and having the mind of Jesus remains an awesome goal.

Stand by me v. 3

In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.

When I’ve done the best I can,

And my friends misunderstand,

Thou who knowest all about me, stand by me.

Loving God, continue to be with us as we deal with uncertainty and change. Help us to rely on You for inspiration and direction. Enable us to better understand the mind of Christ through the power of the Spirit. Amen.

Rev. David Brosnan