Attitude: A person's attitude[1] is the paradigm from which he or she lives. It is rooted in the mind and filters everything (experiences, challenges, and ambitions). The Christian paradigm includes humility, ministry,[2] and doxology. This was the very attitude in Christ (Phil. 2:6-7). Because He was willing to become as we are - human - then, we ought to be willing to live as we are - slaves of God (1 Cor.7:22). With the attitude of Christ (Phil 2:5; Rom. 15:5; 2 Cor. 4:16), we trust in the Father (Mt. 26:39, 42), rely on the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:34), and glorify God in every aspect of our lives.
Obedience: Obedience to God can never be reduced to external actions only. Rather, the Lord renews our minds with greater knowledge of Christ (Col. 3:10-11; Titus 3:5) so that we subject our wills to His. Through biblical doctrines we conform our lives to greater godliness (Acts 6:7; Rom. 1:5, 16:26, 1 Tim. 6:3), and we maintain a singular focus to please God (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4). He increasingly becomes the sole norm of our lives (1 Pet. 4:2, 6). Furthermore, we live for His Name to be exalted in and through every aspect of our lives (Phil. 1:20-21). Most importantly, our obedience is fully reliant upon the grace which God supplies (1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 2:13), through the union we have in Christ (Col. 3:3; Rom. 6:11), and fervent labor that aligns with hope we have in God (1 Tim. 4:10).
[1] From the Greek, φρονέω, meaning "I
think." This term continues to emerge in Paul's exhortation. In the
previous passage, Paul exhorted us to be of the same mind. Now, he gives us all the same target namely, the mind of
Christ. Therefore, our attitude ought to match the attitude of Christ.
[2] In this context, ministry does not
necessitate a formal ministry; rather, it is
meant to focus on any formal or informal service that is accomplished with
humility and for the praise, glory, and honor of the Lord.