Paul told the Philippians, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). That’s where this hymn begins. The hymn, written by Kate B. Wilkinson, came from the author’s experiences of spiritually mentoring girls and young women at the Keswick Conferences in London. The tune composed by A. Cyril Barham-Gould and Wilkinson’s text was first published together in the 1925 “Golden Bells Hymnal” for children.
The hymn was written to help new converts mature in their Christian walk and to develop more Christlike qualities in their personality and character. The 6 stanzas of the hymn were originally intended for each day of the week, and all were to be sung on Sunday. In the first stanza, the mind of Christ is needed so that the believer’s mind can be renewed to do the will of God. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). Each stanza that follows is just as important as this first admonition from Scripture.
Stanza 2 emphasizes the importance of the Scriptures in the Christian life. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). Believing and obeying God’s Word will make the power of Christ evident in the believer’s life for all to see.
The third stanza asks for the peace of God. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15). Usually God’s peace is desired by the believer for one’s personal trials. However, This request for peace is the desire to bring comfort to others and serve the Lord more effectively.
Stanzas 4 and 6 express the desire that Christ, not his servant, be seen and glorified in all things. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake (2 Corinthians 4:5). The fifth stanza, which is the last in some hymnals, recognizes that there’s a race that the Christian must run, and one requires strength from the Lord to face whatever foes or obstacles come. Let us run with patience the race that is set before us...looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12: 1-2).
Kate Wilkinson died in 1928, just three years after she wrote these words. Her hymn remains in many hymnals today, but it should be used more widely than it is. It can be sung in congregational worship to encourage spiritual growth, and it can be used for seeking the mind of Christ in personal devotions. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen instantly, but it’s a lifelong process that requires daily devotion to the Saviour.
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say.
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through his pow’r.
Rule my life in ev’ry-thing,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
As the waters fill the sea.
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only him.
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