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(This Week I am reading Phil. 1:12-28)
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Philippians 1:18
There is a temptation among pastors (and church members as well) to make ministry a competition – not against Satan for the souls of people, but against other churches for the seats of people in the pews. There are debates of who teaches proper doctrine and is most faithful in practice. These are important things, but not for the sake of gaining an edge to gain members. Defense of the truth is for the sake of bringing honor to God. St. Paul states that some people preach Jesus for the wrong reasons (vs. 17), but he has such confidence in the gospel that he does not are. His only concern is that Jesus is proclaimed.
Father, I rejoice that yesterday, the message of Jesus was proclaimed all over the world. I pray that all people might hear of Jesus and the grace he offers to set us free from sin. AMEN