Dedicated Mind: Prefer Windows to Mirrors
The Reason We Live • Sermon • Submitted
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Dedicated Mind: Prefer Windows to Mirrors
Author and pastor Mark Batterson shares the following illustration:
“Doctors Avi Karni and Leslie Ungerleider of the National Institute of Mental Health did a fascinating study asking subjects to perform a simple motor task—a finger-tapping exercise. As subjects tapped, the doctors conducted an MRI to identify what part of the brain was being activated. The subjects then practiced the finger-tapping exercise daily for four weeks. At the end of the four-week period, the brain scan was repeated. In each instance, it revealed that the area of the brain involved in the task had expanded. That simple task—finger-tapping exercise—literally recruited new nerve cells and rewired neuronal connections.
When we read Scripture, we are recruiting new nerve cells and rewiring neuronal connections. In a sense, we are downloading a new operating system that reconfigures the mind… When we study Scripture, we engage in spiritual tapping. Our brains are rewired in alignment with the Word, and we develop the mind of Christ. We think His thoughts.”
As we continue our study of Philippians 2 this morning I pray that our minds may be transformed, rewired, and aligned with the mindset of Christ. If you have your Bibles with you this morning, please turn with me to Philippians chapter 2. We have lingered over these first two chapters of Paul’s letter to the Philippians because in these passages Paul conveys essential information. For our visual learners, on the back of the sermon notes this morning is a diagram of Paul’s teaching from Philippians 1:27-2:30 that you may find helpful.
The title of this sermon series is “The Reason We Live,” and in these passages Paul gives us our Christian purpose. We are instructed to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel by standing firm in our faith and without fear we are to strive together to advance the good news about Jesus. We are to be united in one mind- that is we are to have the same mindset as Christ.
As pastor Louie Giglio explains, Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
“God wants you to take control of the garden of your mind by the power of the Spirit because the battle for your life is won in the mind. It is not always about doing something to change our lives it starts with thinking something to change our lives.” (end quote)
A few weeks ago we learned that there are three important mindsets of Christ, identified in Philippians 2:6-8,
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
So far we have discussed the servant mindset of Christ. This morning we will explore the second mindset:
We must share Jesus’ mindset of humility.
Philippians 2:8 states
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Humility is a recurring theme in Philippians 2:3 In verse 3 Paul tells us,
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
No one is born humble. Any parent of an infant will tell you that babies are definitely not humble. These little creatures believe that everything is about them and they want you to believe that it is all about them as well. It is a good thing that they are just so darn cute because with a tear and a wail they rule the home. No one is born humble, thus humility must be something that can be learned.
Humility must be cultivated in the garden of the mind.
So I know right about now you are asking that great question: pastor Kimo how do I cultivate or grow humility?
First,
1. If you are to share Christ’s mindset of humility you must own your own pride.
When the Bible talks about humility it does not mean that we are to have low self-esteem. As Dr. David Jeremiah states, Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
“Humility is not thinking less about yourself- it’s just thinking about yourself less.” - Dr. David Jeremiah
Thinking about ourselves more is the opposite to humility- it is pride.
Pride is a very powerful enemy. Over and over again God tells us in Scripture that He hates pride.
· Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
· Proverbs 18:12, “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
· Proverbs 15:25, “The Lord tears down the house of the proud.”
The Lord tears down the house of the proud
but maintains the widow’s boundaries.
· 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
· James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Pride focuses on the self and attempts to steal the glory from God. Friends, God does not share His glory with anyone. Pride steals the joy away from your life. Instead, we must train our minds and cultivate humility in our lives.
That brings us to our second point this morning:
2. If you are to share Christ’s mindset of humility you must know who you are in Christ.
Know that you are a sinner saved by grace and that everything you are, every good thing about you, was given to you by God.
As Mother Teresa once said, Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
“Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal.”
Its interesting how the most humble people are often the most confident where as the most prideful people are often the most insecure. The prideful find their identity on the fleeting things of this world: their good looks, fame, fortune, or talent. Those things are like shifting sands- how foolish it is to think one can build something meaningful and lasting on it. However, humble people know that their lives depend on God and they build their lives on His declaration of their eternal worth.
(Money illustration: Use dollar bill)
Your worth is determined by God. No matter what life throws at you. No matter what other people say about you, no matter if you have been used and abused, no matter if you are sick, no matter your age- gender- or race. No matter if you come from the wrong side of the tracks- God determines your worth and He says you are priceless. How do I know? Because He became one of us. As the New Living Translation of Philippians 2:7-8 declares,
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
“(Jesus) gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
You are worth so much to God, that He gave up everything. Even though your sin covered you like filthy rags Jesus gave it all for you, even gave His life. As Dr. David Jeremiah asks,
“Do you know that when Jesus came here from heaven, he left his beautiful home in heaven and came down here to be born as a child in his mother's womb so that he could come to be our Savior. And he walked among men for those years on this earth. The Bible says he never sinned but he suffered a lot. Hanging on that cross, he invited a thief who was hanging beside him to go to heaven and be a part of paradise. Almighty God allowed his precious Son to humble himself all the way to an ignominious Roman crucifixion and he did it for you and for me.
I want you to think about how much Almighty God loves you. He knows your name, he knows everything about you. And God says you are priceless.
He wants you to be in heaven with Him forever. Jesus says, "I go to a place and if I go to a place, I will come again and receive you unto Myself," Friends, Jesus wants to spend eternity with you. He wants to forgive your sins. He wants to welcome you into His eternal kingdom. And one thing that may keep you from heaven is your own pride. The Bible says we're to humble ourselves before God and to believe in that simple faith. If you put your faith in Jesus- If you recognize that you are sinner in need of His grace – If you accept His forgiveness- and If you give your life to Him you will become His beloved child.
You will know who you are and what you are- priceless!
When good looks fade- when fame is found to be fleeting- when your fortune is gone, and your talent just isn’t enough you can stand firm, knowing that you are God’s masterpiece. As Ephesians 2:10 affirms,
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Like a wonderful work of art that brings glory to the master artist that created it. Humility recognizes that everything you have, and all that you are, is not of your own making- rather like that work of art, you are God’s masterpiece. Thus, in humility bring glory to God your creator.
Point three this morning is,
3. If you are to share Christ’s mindset of humility you must be absorbed in something more glorious than ourselves.
Philippians 1:1 Jon Bloom, author and co-founder of Desiring God Ministry, explains,
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
“The primary trait of humble people is that they just don’t think much of themselves — meaning they are not self-preoccupied. They have better, higher, more glorious things to be occupied with. We can find this trait refreshing because humble people, seeing all things in relation to God, look for and enjoy God’s glory in all that he has made (Romans 1:20). This allows them to most fully enjoy what God has made — including us. When we’re with them they often help us do the same thing. And few things are as wonderfully refreshing as forgetting ourselves for a while because we’re absorbed in something more glorious.”
That brings us to our next point this morning,
4. If you are to share Christ’s mindset of humility you must, as Bloom suggests, “prefer windows to mirrors.”
Instead of being consumed with the image in the mirror, or consumed by what others think of us, we look out the window at other people who as God’s image-bearers are also deeply loved by Him. As we learned in Philippians 2:4, we choose not to look at our own interests but seek to serve the interest of others.
Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator, was an outstanding example of this truth.
Shortly after he took over the presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her.
Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.
The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute.
Friends, the wealthy and the poor- the outcast and the famous- the leader and the follower- every man, woman, and child from every nation, tribe, tung, and ethnicity- all of us can share in Christ’s mindset of humility if we but condition our mind daily to prefer windows to mirrors.
Mother Teresa was a beautiful example of someone who preferred windows to mirrors. She poured out her life in service to the poorest of the pore, the sick, the leper, and the outcast. She gives the following suggestions on how to cultivate humility in one’s life: Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Do not seek to protect your self.
Accept censures even if unmerited.
Accept insults and injuries.
Accept contempt, being forgotten, and disregarded.
Do not seek to be admired and loved.
Do not dwell on the faults of others or think of yourself more highly than others.
When in discussion, give in, even when you are right.
Choose always the more difficult task.
-Mother Teresa
These practical suggestions may help us to prefer windows to mirrors. As Bloom explains, Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
“Humble people view other people as God’s marvelous image-bearers, windows to God’s glory, not as mirrors that enhance or diminish their own self-image. But this also means they aren’t absorbed by how others view them. So they aren’t worried about reading the ‘right’ books, seeing the ‘right’ movies, listening to the ‘right’ music, living in the ‘right’ home, having the ‘right’ job, being seen with the ‘right’ people, etc. That’s a mirror mindset. They view these things as windows to see and savor God’s glory.” (end quote)
Friends, we must put on Christ’s mindset of humility and choose to turn away from the mirror and our own image. Instead we must look through the window and see the world through God’s eyes.
As visuals for the sermon-
Behind and to one side of your ‘pulpit,’ we could put up our framed mirror (white one that is in the dinning room) on a stand (chair maybe?). The on the other side we can put up our red window frame (the one we used to use as a ‘chalk board’ outline.