Right frame of mind “…complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 It all starts by being in the right frame of mind… This is certainly what the apostle Paul is saying to the people in Philippi. How they (and we) are to live has to start from the right mindset. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 Of course, what he's getting to here is a state of mind that starts with humility. Human history is full of those who start from a different place: one of pride and ego, of grasping and reaching. Paul's readers in Philippi would be quite familiar with this type of leadership. Alexander, the Great and Caesar Augustus would be quite familiar to them... Human models of leadership that were all about grabbing power and ruling from a place of authority. Paul is reminding the church in Philippi that is not to be so with them. That what they need is to be Christ-minded...to operate from the same place of humble obedience as the One they seek to follow. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…” Philippians 2:5-6 The same holds true for us today. The world continues to push a mindset of grabbing and holding on to fame, fortune and power… and we are called to be of a different mind and “do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you (we) may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you (we) shine as lights in the world…” Philippians 2:14-15 And this all starts by being in the right frame of mind. Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 234) | 
