From: Judy Klug (2016)
Check our motives
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 in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, and sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.”
Meditation:
All of us have encountered Christians who enjoy adulation, praise and admiration. As long as these believers are preaching the truth about Jesus Christ, they are rendering service to our Lord. The ones we must be leery of are the ones who misconstrue the Word of God. These false prophets will twist the truth to serve their own purposes which are often to line their pockets with green. Some seek to build the biggest church in the world, not so that many will come into a saving knowledge of Christ, but so that they will reap praise from men. One of Satan’s lures for Christians is the praise of men. It takes a stalwart Christian to always remember that all the praise and glory goes to God. So, be discerning. Take your Bible and verify the claims of every teacher, preacher, evangelist and other Christians. Sometimes a servant may have misunderstood the message. When this occurs, gently share Biblical truth with him/her. Both of you will be blessed.
As we meditate on this passage of Scripture, we should take time to check our own motives. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you the temptations that lurk waiting to ensnare you. Don’t forget that Satan is alive, well and very busy trying to neutralize the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit as Christians share the gospel. If he cannot fill you with pride, he will look for another tool. Do not be dismayed. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4