We live in a world obsessed with mindset.
Success mindset. Growth mindset. Abundance mindset. Winning mindset.
And to be fair, the way we think matters deeply. Our thoughts shape our emotions, our choices, our relationships, and the way we understand God, ourselves, and the world around us.
But when Paul writes to the Philippians, he does not simply say, “Think better thoughts.”
He says:
“Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5
That is much deeper than positive thinking.
It is an invitation to let the life of Christ become the inner pattern of our own lives.
In this first episode of the Have This Mind series, we look closely at Philippians 2:5–11, the beautiful Christ hymn that moves from glory, to humility, to the cross, and then to exaltation.
Jesus does not grasp.
He empties Himself.
He takes the form of a servant.
He humbles Himself.
He becomes obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Then God highly exalts Him.
This is the V-shaped pattern of Philippians 2: descent and ascent, humility and exaltation, self-giving love and divine vindication.
And Paul says this is the mind we are to have.
Not because we can repeat the saving work of Jesus. We cannot.
But because the pattern of Christ’s life becomes the pattern of our formation.
The renewed mind does not begin by climbing.
It begins by surrendering.
In this episode
We explore:
why the “mind of Christ” is more than a better mindset
how Philippians 2 speaks into a world of status, rivalry, and self-protection
why Jesus’ refusal to grasp reveals the heart of true humility
how the V-shaped pattern of Christ becomes a pattern for Christian formation
why steadiness is not control, but trust
how surrender becomes the beginning of renewal
Key thought
Only the deeply secure can release the need to grasp.
Jesus does not empty Himself because He is worthless.
He empties Himself because He is secure in the Father.
That is the beginning of true humility. Not self-hatred. Not passivity. Not pretending we do not matter.
Humility is what becomes possible when we are no longer fighting to prove our worth.
Bible by Design Moment
The V-Shaped Pattern of Philippians 2
Practice for the week
Notice where you are grasping.
A relationship.
A decision.
A reputation.
A future.
A need to be right.
A need to be safe before you obey.
Do not condemn yourself for grasping. Grasping usually means fear is underneath.
Bring that place into the presence of Christ and pray:
Lord, this is where I am grasping.
This is where I am afraid.
This is where I do not yet know how to trust.
Teach me the mind of Christ.
Series connection
This episode begins the new Have This Mind series on The Bible Unplugged, a teaching companion to the written devotional journey.
The rhythm of this season is simple:
See the pattern. Hear the teaching. Live the prayer.
Bible by Design helps us see the pattern.
The Bible Unplugged helps us hear the teaching.
Have This Mind and Still, Here help us live the prayer.
And if you have not yet read Steady: Living Between Grace and Covenant, it provides the foundation for this whole season — a life held by grace, strengthened by covenant, and now renewed from the inside out.
