I was reading this morning in the book of Philippians. Paul is writing from prison sharing about what he is seeing and experiencing while being in chains in this first chapter. As I was reading a verse jumped out at me and really got me thinking.
Here Paul is in prison for sharing the message of Jesus. He is suffering for the message he gave about Christ. He then talks about others outside the prison walls also sharing. He says starting in verse 15: "It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives... those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me."
So I read that and I was in total agreement with Paul. I have felt the same way so many times. I feel like I see churches or ministries sharing Jesus or preaching out of selfish reasons, pride or desire that is just to grow their church, instead of a unified church. So knowing Paul and I both see this problem is very encouraging...until I read the next verse.
"But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. "
-Philippians 1:18 (NLT)
Well my bubble was popped as I was officially kicked off of my high horse. Take all the bad things and even sin Paul is observing from those preaching the gospel and he says.."but that doesn't matter" because Christ is still being preaching, because people are still coming into the church. If Paul says it doesn't matter then how can I ever let that be a factor to me or make it an issue in my life as I look at others ministries.
Today it is easy to post blogs, Facebook comments, and articles ripping others churches and ministers because we disagree with how they are doing something or with their motives or intentions. Paul says, "it doesn't matter" but instead "REJOICE" that the gospel is going out, that churches are growing, that people are hearing!
Maybe it's time for us (including myself) to get off of our spiritual high horse, end the endless attacks and criticism and look around and rejoice that the message Jesus brought is being taught and heard, even if we don't agree with certain leaders, or motives or methods...let's rejoice together in all of this and end our attacks!
