REFLECT THE MENTAL ATTITUDE OF CHRIST - A Pattern for Proper Attitude

A Pattern for Proper Attitude

As in all else, so too in the matter of attitude, Jesus Christ set the best pattern.  He said:  "I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also."   (John 13:15)  To be like Jesus, we must first learn about him.  We study Jesus' life with the intention of doing what the apostle Peter recommended:  "To this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely."  (1 Peter 2:21) Our goal is to be as much like Jesus as possible.  That includes cultivating his mental attitude.

What is involved in having Christ Jesus' mental attitude?  Chapter 15 of Paul's letter to the Romans helps us to answer that question.  In the first few verses of this chapter, Paul refers to an outstanding quality of Jesus when he says:  "We, thought, who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong, and not to be pleasing ourselves.  Let each of us please his neighbor in what is good for his up building.  For even the Christ did not please himself; but just as it is written:  ' The reproaches of those who ere reproaching you have fallen upon me.' " -Romans 15:1-3.

Imitating Jesus' attitude, Christians are encouraged to be prepared to serve the needs of others with humility rather than wanting to please only themselves.  Indeed, such humble willingness to serve others is characteristic of those "who are strong."  Jesus, who was spiritually stronger than any human who ever lived, said of himself:  "The Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many."  (Matthew 20:28)   As Christian, we likewise want to reach out to serve others, including "those not strong." 

Another fine characteristic that Jesus manifested was a pattern of thought and action that was always positive.  He never allowed the negative attitude of others influence his own fine attitude toward serving God; neither should we.  When reproached and persecuted because of worshiping God faithfully, Jesus patiently endured without complaining.  He knew that opposition from an unbelieving and uncomprehending world can be expected by those who try to please their neighbor "in what is good for his up building." 

Next time: REFLECT THE MENTAL ATTITUDE OF CHRIST - Conclusion of A Pattern  for Proper Attitude

The Watchtower, 2000