WEEK 35 – DAY 4

September 2, 2021

THE IMPORTANT THING

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. Philippians 1:18 (NIV)

Televangelists – no, Paul didn’t have to deal with them. However, he is talking about the very type of person we think of when we hear that word. Paul had described people that were preaching out of selfish motives and some even to try to cause him further harm. Then he makes the conscious choice to focus on the most important thing – that Christ be proclaimed. Paul also chooses to rejoice. He can be calmly happy because he knows through the Spirit that God is in control even of those who are insincere. He knows that God sees beyond the words and looks into the motives of people. God sees our inmost thoughts. Paul can trust God to deal with those who are out for their own gain and knows that God has the power to further His kingdom even through them.

The Lord uses whom He chooses to use. It does not matter if I approve of their methods or even their motivation. The important thing is that the Gospel be proclaimed. God can use those who think they are working against Him to unwittingly drive people toward Him. I may need to point out those who seem insincere or motivated by selfish gain, but I don’t need to fret about them. I can follow Paul’s example and trust God to shine His light on people.

Paul once referred to himself as “the chief of sinners” (I Timothy 1:15). If God can use a sinner like Paul to proclaim his word, He might even choose to use a sinner like me or you. Apart from His marvelous grace we are all completely unworthy to serve Him. How dare we waste our energy fretting over whether or not someone else is proclaiming Him rightly? We just need to expend more energy telling others the good news and trust God with the results!

Father, keep us focused on what is important…knowing You and helping others to know You. Let us expend our energy in hearing Your voice on how to use what You’ve placed within us.