In Phil. 1:12, 18, and 21 it reads, "I want you to know, beloved, what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel...What matters is that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false or true motives...for to me, living is Christ and dying is gain." These words from Paul are also favorites of my husband, Jerry. He tries to live them just as Paul did.
What Paul makes clear in these passages is that we are to understand that what really matters in our lives is that we proclaim Jesus Christ, born, crucified, and resurrected. Paul said motive doesn't matter as long as Christ is lifted up and extolled. Paul was beaten, flogged, and imprisoned for long periods and yet even these tragedies actually helped to spread the Gospel message. This was Paul's singular purpose in life to the exclusion of any personal pain or difficulty.
When you and I feel overburdened with situations in life, we can look at the experience from God's viewpoint, and we can have the assurance that what ever happens is unimportant as long as the story of Jesus Christ is heard. We must never waver from that call. We must make the singular focus of our lives to be always and in all situations to proclaim Jesus Christ.
Lord, empower us to be bold for you! Amen.
Jo INMN
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