Rejoicing in the Proclamation

 “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

(‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

We are often critical of other believers. We’re critical of other churches. We’re critical, focusing primarily upon our disagreements and differences.

We also question the motives of these groups or individuals. We question their purpose. And we assume that they’re less than sound.

Although this isn’t always the case, we may even be right. Our criticisms may be well-founded. And their motives may be less than pure.

We’re also right to be concerned about the faithful teaching of God’s Word. We should desire that it be rightly taught and proclaimed. And we should desire that it be proclaimed with the right motives.

The fact remains, however, that we have no say when it comes to those outside of our church. We have no say when it comes to what they teach. And we have no say when it comes to what they do.

We also can do nothing to ensure the purity of motive. Because of our sinful nature, our motives are often impure. And, if this is true of us, we can do nothing to ensure the purity of motives when it comes to others.

So, how do we respond in such cases? How do we respond to believers or to congregations with whom we disagree? How do we respond to those whose motives we question? Do their successes cause us to grumble? Or do we seek their failure?

We see the response of Paul in the verse above. As he was imprisoned, the reason for his chains had become widely known. It was very clear, to the imperial guard and to all, that his imprisonment was for Christ. It was the result of his faith in Christ and his ministry in the Lord’s service.

His imprisonment had also caused his fellow believers to become more confident and bold. They’d been led to share the Word of God without fear. But the motives of these individuals were not one and the same.

Some, he said, preached Christ from good will. They did so out of love. But others did so from envy and rivalry. They did so out of selfish ambition and a desire to afflict Paul, or to cause him distress, during his imprisonment.

Yet, knowing this reality, Paul rejoiced. He rejoiced in the fact that Christ was proclaimed. He rejoiced in the proclamation of the gospel, even if the intent of those proclaiming it was less than pure.

And this, you see, is to be true of us as well. We should focus less on who is proclaiming Christ and their motives in doing so. And we should simply rejoice that Christ is proclaimed.