What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that we are to have the mind of Christ. What does that mean? We as Christians often focus much on the mind - that is, the intellect. It is important to study Scripture, to know doctrine, to have sound theology - but is that the only thing Paul means here?

Here is a little context:

For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:11-16 ESV)

We should strive to have correct doctrine, but most of us have met people who have correct doctrine and are mean as snakes. We should strive to memorize Scripture and hide God's word in our heart (Psalm 119:11). Still we meet people that have memorized much Scripture and yet live lives that do not seem to be transformed by the new birth. 

So, is intellectual knowledge all Paul means when he says that we should have the mind of Christ? It must mean more. Intellectual knowledge without biblical love is nothing. How can we say that?

Paul writes, "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2 ESV) Love greatly affects the decisions we make doesn't it?

Without knowing the heart of Christ, can we really have His mind? To have the mind of Christ, we must know God's heart - God's character. Then we can make great strides to not only have an intellectual mind, but we can move one step closer to having the mind of our Saviour - that is, as many theologians put it, thinking God's thoughts after Him.

Lord, help us to have your mind and your heart so that all our actions glorify you and honor your holy name. Amen.