Don't let trouble makers trouble you

Philippians 1:15-19 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Just like Paul, we also have trouble makers in our lives. Some of them are bent on evil but most of them do it without realising it. Worst they think they are doing in under the "influence of the Holy Spirit". "Holy anger" as some all it. The pharisees of old would fall in this class.

But in Paul's case it seems worst. The wolfs in sheep clothings, were doing it out of selfish ambition, no sincerity and worst creating trouble for Paul, even though he has done so much for the kingdom of God.

I am sure those of us who have had such experiences would love to see spew "fire and brimstone" on such or even be seething with venom in hurt and anger.

But look at the example Paul sets for us. Even such situation he seems to look at it positively. 

"The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. "

He was more concerned about the big picture and did not allow these petty ripples deter his focus. 

Paul was able to rejoice even in such unjust indictment. How is this possible. 

Paul replied on two important facts of the christian life and ministry. He knew people were praying for him and he also knew God the Holy Spirit was with him or as Paul would very theologically put it "God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ". And because of this it would "turn out for my deliverance". As Paul would say in Romans 8:28 - "all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Even our disappointments and false accusations will work out for our betterment and this promise is for all who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

May the Lord grant us this "Paul's mindset" when we are in similar situations. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"It is finished" - Jesus Christ

Image
John 19:30 - When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. It's Good Friday again. The world pauses and recollects the events that changed the course of history. For me it was a time to reflect on the finished work of our Lord on the cross. He paid the price for my redemption. But it dawned on me that Jesus, himself, had a task to do while on this earth, He was on a mission. There was a time frame. There was a script to follow. In military terms , there was an objective he had to capture. Anything short would have been a disaster. But towards the end, in spite of the agony at Gethsemane, the unfair trail, humiliating and torturous journey via Dalarosa, Jesus cried, "It is finished". What an achievement. What a fitting eulogy.  Jesus was faithful to His mission - Hebrew 3:2 Jesus was focused on His mission - Luke 9:51 Jesus finished His mission - John 19:30  Judas towards th
Read more

What a trip to Nepal

Image
I am sitting at the airport restaurant in Kathmandu, checked in and waiting for my departure to New Delhi and from there, onward to Singapore.  Just sipping and enjoying the Americano coffee and a slice of cheese cake as I reminiscent my last nine days in Nepal. It has been a incredibly tough trip but one filled with joy, great satisfaction and challenges. Tough because of the bad roads, tracks and mountain trekking that really tested my endurance and my back was sore.  Couple of knocks on the head as the vehicle danced to the tune of the undulating terrain. Days when I had terrible diarrhoea, running from one mountain toilet to another. Thank God I had Dr Mike Ong on this trip who is a medical doctor from Singapore, who attended to my condition. Times when we had to sleep on the cold floor with thin sheets of cloth, with rodents in the vicinity. Temperatures dropped to a low of 10-12 degrees centigrde in the nights. Eating the food offered by the villagers as we were up in the mounta
Read more

Devotion - Psalms 44: 6-7 - Its God who gives the victory

Image
Psalms 44:6-7 - I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. Any soldier will know that the basic weapon of warfare, in those days, were the bow and sword. Without which no soldier will not venture into the battle field. Even the famed Goliath was geared in full battle order when he faced David with the stones and the sling. Isn't it a paradox then that David, one of the finest soldiers Israel had ever produced, proclaims that its not the bow and the sword that gives the victory. Its is the Lord, Jehovah, that gives the victory. I don't think David is trying to say that we should not prepare ourselves for warfare. His concern is that we recognize that ultimately its the Lord that gives the victory. A few things we need to remember: Human efforts are necessary in the God-man partnership Human efforts alone does not guarantee God intended results Recognize that its God that always gives u
Read more