"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus", Philippians 2:5. Most likely it was this very familiar verse that inspired Kate B. Wilkinson (1859-1928) to write this hymn in 1925. Not much is known about the author's life except that she was born in England and was a member of the Church of England. It is also believed that she was involved in a ministry for girls and young women in West London. There is some speculation that because the hymn was written three years before her death, that it may have been written to convey to the young women with whom she worked what it means to lead a godly life. If this is the case, what a beautiful legacy to leave. The tune was written by Arthur C. Barham-Gould specifically for this hymn. The simple but profound words remind us that to have the mind of Christ is to have His love "controlling all I do and say". And, people seeing me, will realize that I "triumph only through His power" and not in my own works. Mrs. Wilkinson also used some inspiration from Hebrews 12:1-2 in her hymn with the words "May I run the race before me ... looking unto Jesus". The hymn is usually sung as a prayer expressing our desire to be more like Christ. In the first four stanzas we ask that the "mind of Christ", the "word of God", the "peace of God" and the "love of Jesus" may live in our hearts throughout each day. The final verse is a beautiful summary of this prayer. "May His beauty rest upon me, as I seek the lost to win. And may they forget the channel, seeing only Him." What a tremendous desire and goal for each believer. This hymn has always been a challenge to me and my Christian walk. With the pressures of daily living it is often easy to stray from the principles shared by Mrs. Wilkinson. And her words often have helped me refocus on the goal of Godly living. May the Lord give each of us the desire and wisdom to be submissive to Christ's lordship in "all we do and say," just as He was submissive to God the Father. Make this your prayer this week.
1. May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
2. May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
3. May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
4. May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
5. May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
6. May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
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