Now that I've finished memorizing Genesis 12:2-3 from last week I'm ready to move on. And yes, I still remember Philippians 1:21 from the week prior.
I actually read this passage of Scripture two weeks ago while doing my ladies Bible study homework. It didn't really convict me at the time, but within the last week my mind keeps drifting back there and I realized that I needed to give in and spend some time back in it.
Philippians 1:18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
To really understand it you definitely need to at least absorb the context of Philippians 1:15-17 also.
Philippians 1:15-17 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
Once you have the context it's easy to understand that Paul is saying that whether people are preaching out of the correct or incorrect motivation is irrelevant, but that Christ is being preached, and in this he (Paul) will rejoice.
Lately (upon many occasions) I've found myself quick to judge, criticize, or be negative of other believers (churches, ministries, famous Pastors, people etc.) who don't approach ministry/ theology the same way that I do. I've found myself evaluating them, as if I was perfect, and have it all figured out (yeah right!). I'm so ashamed of this critical part of my heart. I seek to be unified with and find the good in my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Philippians 1:27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
I'm going to spend the next week studying these verses and memorizing verse 18 while I seek Christ to conform me more to His image, and make my heart more like His.
Shannon
3 comments:
Phil 1:18 really spoke to me when I read it last week too. Such a perfect verse to read when I was feeling frustrated with the imperfections of the church!
Definitely!
Shannon
Amen! Aren't we all so quick to judge others when they don't think/act the way we do - especially in church?
My friend posted the following facebook status the other day:"gets frustrated with the church, with it's outdated leadership and organization models, but then she remembers that she can be bossy and arrogant and the church loves her anyway."
I'd add to that that Christ loves both my friend and the church, even though neither one is perfect. Like you said in your post,even in our frustration with others, we don't have it all together either.
I am grateful for reminders like this that keep me humble and keep my heart from getting carried away and prideful.
Thanks for sharing!
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