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The word mind generally denotes that power in man which conceives thought, weighs it, and forms conclusions. We speak of a "strong mind," a "disordered mind." Again, the word is used for the will power, as when we say, "I have a mind to do it." At other times it is used for the heart or affections, e.g., "A mind at rest," "A joy of mind," "A grief of mind." In the 7th of Romans it is used for the principle of grace in the heart. "But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind." Lastly, it is employed in a more comprehensive way, as in the text, where consecration of intellect, the aim of life, and temper of spirit are included. Christ Jesus is held up by the apostle as the model after which we should shape our Lives. As good parents train their children by example, so God our Father trains His children. Christ the Lord is at first the pattern of heavenly life to us, but becomes more the power of heavenly life within us. Christ answers all the requirements of an example to us. We need for such —

I. A BEING OF BOUNDLESS CAPACITY. The Bible represents Christ as God and Creator. Look to created things and see the power of His being. The drop of water has all the power and freshness which He gave it on the morning of creation. The effect cannot be greater than the cause. The sun shines with the same fulness of warmth and light and life as when it waked the first germ into life, yet it is but "the work of His fingers." But what are these as witnesses compared with the experiences of pure hearts who, in all generations, have been able to sing, "The Lord is my light and my salvation?"

II. ONE WHOSE NATURE IS LIKE OURS, AND IS AT THE SAME TIME ABOVE SIN. Look to the glory and yet the humanity of His nature. Earth did not, it could not, lift itself toward heaven. He became "Immanuel — God with us." "He took upon Him the form of a servant," etc. The prostrate vine cannot lift itself again to clasp the tree and climb among its branches; but if the tree bow itself and unloose the tendrils from the roots and briers, the vine may find its place of rest and fruitfulness. This the tree cannot do; but God in Christ has thus bowed Himself to fallen man.

III. ONE WHO PRESENTS TO US FRESHNESS AND VARIETY OF MIND AND SOUL. We read, "Thou hast the dew of thy youth." "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever." Selecting as emblems those objects that are most expressive of life and beauty and blessing, the Saviour takes their name upon Himself. He is the "Sun of Righteousness," "The Star out of Jacob," "The Morning Star," "The Light of the World." And then coming to things of earth — He is the sheep that is dumb before her shearers, and is presently "the Good Shepherd." He is the "Lamb of God," etc. He is the "Fountain Opened," The "Tree of Life," "The Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley." In short, He is light for the eye, sound for the ear, bread for food, water for thirst, peace for the troubled, and rest for the weary. Over against every door of the mind and every window of the soul He stands laden with riches and waiting for admission.

IV. WE NEED IN THE CULTURE OF THE MIND AND SOUL ONE WHO HAS SURPASSING WISDOM. In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Conclusion: What are we to be like Him in?

1. In our aim in life.

2. In our spirit and temper.

(E. P. Ingersoll.)

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KJV: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

WEB: Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus,