By – Anne Barcus
Chapter read – Philippians 1
Scripture selected
Verses 17,18. 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. 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.
Observation
I’ve spent a lot of time and energy comparing and contrasting various churches (and individuals). Some people haven’t liked what I have said and have helped make my life more difficult. All of this time my focus has been on poor pitiful neglected me. – ME – not Jesus who is supposed to be my focus. It doesn’t matter if our styles and performances are different. Is “ my ministry” about me being well thought of or about JESUS? My rejoicing should come from HIS name being spoken not on me building a fan club.
Application
I have to find a way to remind me that it’s Jesus’ ministry, not mine.
Prayer
Father, thank you for pointing out right and wrong to me. Now help me to apply that measure to myself, not those around me. Forgive me that my rejoicing gets focused on “me” being accepted not on YOU BEING PRAISED.