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Today: Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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All materials © 2008
Richard G. Schlief.
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.

I Am Found In You by Steven Curtis Chapman
Paul's Motive to Advance the Gospel
By: Ron Edmondson Thursday, January 23, 2003
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. Philippians 1:15-18 NIV

Some people in Paul’s day were preaching the gospel for selfish reasons! No, Ron, you must be kidding. Surely not! (Is that what you were thinking?)

Paul knew this was taking place, but he didn’t get too upset about it. Paul had a practice of keeping his priorities in proper perspective. His main goal was to see that the gospel was preached.

Today, there are many who preach the gospel for personal gain. I was often asked when my partner and I began a Christian radio program nine years ago what I was “going to get out of it”. In fact, many business people, even Christians, told me I was making a mistake to sacrifice “money making time” for Christian service. I was just being obedient. It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I realized God had actually blessed my business more the month I start the radio program than ever before.

Why are you serving Christ? Are you expecting something in return? Never mind, it doesn’t matter, just keep spreading the Good News! Paul would advise me not to get discouraged, as long as the gospel is being preached. I think another way of saying it might be: don’t get too concerned about the messenger, as long as the message is the Truth!

May we all spread the message that Jesus saves!

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