Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11, KJV
I find that it is so very difficult to even comprehend how to change my mind. Every time I attempt to correct my thoughts myself, I get a reminder of the corruption which is within me.
Yet, we are directed by Paul in his letter to the Philippians to have the same mind which was in Jesus Christ. Attributes such as humbleness, meekness, self-sacrifice and obedience flood into mind when I try to understand the entire depth of character which Jesus demonstrated to us. I am immediately convicted of the lowness of my character regardless of my striving to be like Jesus.
And here is the rub, for I in and of myself am unable to change my character. I can carry a long term facade before my fellow followers of Christ, but internally I am oh so aware of my lacking. Of course, this is by design.
Isaiah expresses my thoughts thoroughly with his proclamation:
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Isaiah 64:6, KJV
Every little ounce of what I could even concieve of calling righteous within amount to but filthy rags before the throne of the Most High God and His Suffering Servant, His Son.
What hope do I have? I am unable to change my character, but only mask it in my futile attempts.
Yet, I am blessed to know that I can be changed both now:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV
and in the future:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52, KJV
Herein lies my hope: the Lord will change me. Praise the Lord!
