Philippians 2:5

Verse of the Day Philippians 2:5 (NASB)   Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Song Of The Day

Bible Commentary

Philippians 2:5 is a Bible verse that teaches us what kind of attitude we should have.

Philippians 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus

Our lives are greatly affected by what we know, since we make decisions based on what we know. Just as we are affected by what we know, we are also affected by how we feel.

While philosophy deals essentially with the logical side of life, attitude focuses on the emotional side. What we know determines our philosophy. How we feel about what we know determines our attitude.

Philippians 2:5 tells us we are to have the attitude of Christ. There are four things that help determine our attitude:

1. How we feel about our past

Our personal experiences help to form our attitude. If we have a great experience with someone or something, our attitude is great. If we have a bad experience then our attitude tends to be bad.

Some of us still carry burdens from the past into our present, allowing them to negatively affect our attitude and our future.

Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

We need to look at our past as something to learn from, and not look back in fear or anger, allowing it to affect our lives.

1. How we feel about the future

We usually look at our future in two ways, anticipation or apprehension. If we don’t feel good about the future, it greatly determines what we do. We take uncertain steps.

Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

As Christians, we should be excited about our future, knowing that God is directing us and showing us the way we should go. With this in mind, we should be setting goals (spiritual, financial, relationships, family, ministry, job, etc.) and allowing God to determine our way.

3.     How we feel about each other

It’s easy to become cynical! People can get under our skin. Politicians, co-workers, even family and friends.

“It takes others to help us succeed. You can’t succeed by yourself. It’s hard to find a successful hermit.” -Jim Rohn

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Each Christian has received a gift from God, and we are to use those gifts in conjunction with our fellow Christians to back up the body of Christ and further His Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

4.     How we feel about ourselves

Our self-esteem goes a long way in determining our attitude and our success in life.

Psalm 139:13-15 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Believing that we have the talent, the skills, the intelligence to do whatever God requires us to do is critical in our walk with Christ. If we don’t believe in ourselves, then we don’t believe God, for He says that we can do ALL things through Christ that gives us strength.

The world is always looking for ways to be successful, when all the answers are in God’s Word. If we take on the attitude of Christ, believing that through Him we are able to accomplish mighty things for His kingdom, then we will have success and complete the work He has called us to do.

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Study Philippians 2:5, look at the attitude in your heart and, and pray for help to take on the attitude of Jesus Christ.