Philippians 1:15-18
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of self ambition not sincerely, supposing they can stir up trouble for me while I’m in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:15-18
Paul is basically saying, Yeah some of these people are fakers, some of these people are not. Some people realize that God’s will isn’t always nice and shiny and I’m here for a purpose. Those people have stepped up out of love.. but for every one that loves me there are two trying to get ahead of me. Since I’m not competing.. this is no big deal to me personally. I’m in love Jesus, not some race. God’s word is being shared.. no matter what people’s intentions are- the word is always good news especially when it’s being told! And as long as more and more people hear about Jesus? Well I’m happy!
Don’t y’all just love Paul’s heart? There are so many people out there today concerned with self-image, letting everything they do serve purpose to prove a successful image instead of working to just have a meaningful life, not only wanting a win for themselves but also yearning for the “lose” for somebody else. These “preachers” saw an opportunity to surpass Paul. Oh he’s locked up now; now we can get ahead of him. We will show him. Yall…just what a joke. It’s so disheartening to read this scripture and know that over 2000 years ago this was people..and people still haven’t changed. Our hearts are still the same.
Hey, Look at me. Look what I’m doing. Look what I have. Did you hear what they did?
There are people, and then there’s Paul.
Paul was a man not trying to look like person, but a man trying to be one. Sometimes we get so caught up in being the best, or just being noticed period.. that we will steal the attention by whatever means necessary EVEN at the expense of others, but Paul? “But what does it even matter?” I don’t even care, y’all. But why? Why didnt he care that he was less popular? Why didn’t he care that he was falling behind? Why didn’t he care that he was locked up? That everybody was talking about him- trying to use his imprisonment to make themselves look better? Why did it not matter to him?
Paul wasn’t in a competition and winning was not the objective- Christ was.
Just Jesus. That’s all Paul was worried about…not where he was, what he didn’t have, not even what people were saying- but Christ.
In a world so temporary, all I need is something eternal. Jesus saves in infinitely different ways. It doesn’t matter how you’ve come to receive Him, it just matters that you do.
And everything else? All of the little things you worried so so much about before? After you know Him? For me- it was just like Paul.
“It doesn’t even matter.. not at all.”
Love y’all, Katie