Men, how do we move towards goals of increasing our humility, love, leadership and service?

It may all start with our mindset. 

“Mindset” is a well used word. This is similar to our “attitude”, “way of thinking”, “outlook”, “perspective”.

What is your mindset regarding humility? Love? Service? How does this manifest in your actions towards others?

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul describes a mindset (from the Greek word “phroneo”) worth pursuing, that is characterized by the following:

• Encouraging
• Tender
• Compassionate
• Humble
• Serving
• One that is not selfish or trying to impress
• One that thinks of others as better than ourselves
• One that truly looks out for the interests of others
• One that surrenders power for purpose
• One that values fellowship and working together
• One that prioritizes the well-being of others

This mindset is rooted in example: A real, flesh and blood demonstration of servant leadership. The mindset, the attitude, and the actions of Jesus demonstrated a heart that:

• Prioritized the well-being of others over himself
• Lowered from King to slave
• Exchanged divine privilege for humble service 
• Lowered from heaven to earth
• Exchanged life for death
• Exchanged honor for shame
• Brought a willingness to serve even at the greatest personal cost
• Was driven in full obedience, no matter where it led

The mindset of Jesus was fueled by love. His heart was set completely in his love towards us and his Father.

His “heartset” resulted in a “mindset” of service, humility, love, leadership, and greatest purpose. 

So, as Paul describes this attitude, this mindset worth pursuing, worth emulating, this “heartset” to me, is rooted in a heart that KNOWS love, from a real example who IS love. 

What is your mindset today? Where is it pointing? 

Alex Gerber, Gerberxc@gmail.com

(Writing today is personal reflections from reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Chapter 2.)

For deeper thought:

As men, we can seek to emulate these qualities in our mindset, and we can strive to act in a way that demonstrates that our mind is set in these things. But there is a much greater opportunity available, one that is ready to shift the fundamental attitude of the heart away from self and towards others. One that can shift towards a life and purpose fully rooted in and fueled by love.

Jesus has an invitation open. His heart is turned towards you. If you have not encountered him yet, I encourage you to seek him, and in that, you will find the best you will ever know.