Philippians 1:17-18
But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail. But that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad.
I will keep on being glad...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg recently helped his mother purchase a new computer. I was visiting her one day, and she asked me to help her find something on the Internet. I am not familiar with this new machine, but I fumbled around and found what she was seeking. She turned to me and said, “You and Greg do things differently on the computer, don’t you?!” I agreed with her that, aside from my unfamiliarity with this particular computer, our “methods” probably differ a little…but we achieve the same end result.
These words of the Apostle Paul have great relevance for us today. It has become common in certain situations for a person to have a “platform”…a cause that he/she champions – often with great passion. Some people have missions that are near and dear to their hearts…and yes, some people simply have personal agendas. But many folks from all of these “camps” have a common denominator…they truly love Jesus and desire to live for Him and serve others in His name.
Many people want to share the love of Christ with others…but their “methods” of doing so can vary greatly. This doesn’t make them bad or wrong. As Paul points out…all that matters is that they share the message of Jesus Christ. Instead of criticizing our friends and neighbors because they don’t mirror our politics, lifestyle choices, skin color or ethnicity, economic level, preferences in style and physical appearance – or they root for a different sports team! – let’s look at their heart.
Consider whether they love Jesus – and it shows! Do they minister to others in His name? Do they demonstrate His teachings and operate in grace, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, compassion, and unconditional love? If the answer is yes, then be glad. The rest is all just immaterial “fluff” that doesn’t truly matter in the quest to love and serve God and further His Kingdom. This is the real mission!
Are you focused on what really matters…or are you bogged down by the extraneous distractions that the devil wishes to flood into our lives? Isn’t it time we dropped all of the judgments and looked at the heart of others? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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