What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.
Philippians 1:18 (CSB)
What often seems to kill the gospel according to Christ is the selfishness of those who think they know everything about the Bible and are better equipped to teach and preach it. They are always looking for an opportunity to minimize or devalue the teaching of others who are called to do so. In doing so, they believe they are reaching the top because they will be applauded and appreciated by their congregation. This is their biggest mistake.
Paul faced such a situation. While in prison in Rome, his adversaries who thought they could take his place and sow doubt about his apostolate took the opportunity to preach. Even though they preached the right doctrine, they did not do so with sincerity. They wanted to hurt Paul more to prove that if he was truly called by God, he would not be in prison. Paul did not blame them. On the contrary, he looked at the good side of their wrongdoing: "Christ is proclaimed." He was enjoying it.
Do you feel threatened by negative remarks or spiritual attacks from those who want to prove that you are not doing enough in your ministry? I will tell you that this is nothing new, Paul and many other characters in the Bible experienced this. The secret of their success in their ministry is that they have been faithful to God and not defended their cause. They preferred to see the finality of the evil actions of their adversaries: Christ was proclaimed and God was glorified. Have the same mindset that was in Paul, and rejoice.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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