Mind-Defaults

Philippians 2:5–11 NIV

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A poor man came to his rabbi and complained that he was living in one room with his wife and four children and the congestion was impossible to bear any longer.

“Do you have a goat?” asked the rabbi.

“Yes.”

“Take it into the room.”

“What?”

“Do as I say.”

So the poor man went home and brought the goat into his house.

A week later he hurried to the rabbi, sputtering, “I did what you asked. I took the goat in, and things are even worse than before! Rabbi, what shall I do?”

“Do you have any chickens?” asked the rabbi.

“Yes, three.”

“Bring them into your house.”

“Rabbi!”

“Do as I say.”

So the poor man brought the three chickens into the house and a week later he returned to the rabbi, wringing his hands.

“It’s terrible! I can’t stand it anymore!”

“Put out the goat,” said the rabbi.

The poor man did as he was told and came back. “It’s a little better, Rabbi, but three chickens in a room with six people!”

“Throw out the chickens,” said the rabbi.

And finally the man stood before the rabbi, overjoyed, “Rabbi, there’s no one as wise as you! My house is now a paradise!”