If you:
are Encouraged in your Unity with Christ,
are Comforted from His Love,
have Fellowship with the Spirit,
have Tenderness
and Compassion...
Paul is building here. He's shaping the believers foundation. Philippians 2:1.
Being like Christ first requires that we want to be like Him. Makes sense right? Then why is it that so many who claim to be Christians have such a difficult time being like Him? And why do so many who don't know Jesus appear to have Christlike attributes? Well there's a lot that goes into that answer but we'll stick with Paul's foundation for now.
Forming the 'mindset' or the 'attitude' of Christ is a journey.
Being like Him is an adventure, a rigorous, relaxing and rewarding adventure.
Dig deep, ask yourself, seek out the truth in your soul...are you encouraged knowing that you are united with Jesus with every ounce of your being: heart, mind, soul and body.
When it's quiet, when the light's are off and you're alone...do you have comfort knowing that you are loved by Christ. That He died not simply for the whole world but for you specifically. You are accepted and needed.
Are you reliant on your own energy, your own knowledge and limited understanding...or are you fully given over in fellowship with the Spirit, the Encourager, the Counselor, the Guide.
Has life hardened your heart. Are you able to trust others. Willing to be authentic and genuine in your relationships with friends, family, authority figures...God. Do you have a tender heart, warm nature about you.
Look around you, look at those you live with and share life with. Look for those you pass by regularly. Would they call you compassionate. Do you see emotional, mental, physical, spiritual need around you...do you do anything at all to fill those needs.
IF you desire to have this foundation.
IF at your core you are these things.
THEN Paul is speaking to you, describing your heart. Being built within you is a framework for the attitude of Christlikeness...this is freakin awesome!