Others do not have pure motives ...

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It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. -Philippians 1:15-18 NLT

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I rarely consider people who minister in church When I think of people with bad motives. It is surprising to hear Paul speak of such people as he sits in chains. I wish that this whole idea of religious jealousy and rivalry ceased back in Paul's day. For even today religious leaders brag about the number who attend their services and revel in the tithes that are collected on Sunday mornings. I would get angry if not for these words written so very long ago.

Are you not amazed how Paul can see good coming out of bad motives? Instead of fixating on the selfish ambition he chooses to continue to rejoice that, even with bad motives, the message about Christ is being preached. He seems to also understand that others are preaching from pure motives. This is where I choose to land today. I am not qualified to judge the motives of others so I will (with Paul) choose to rejoice that the name of Jesus is proclaimed.

Help us to be people of pure motives dear Lord. Cause our hearts to rejoice that the gospel is being preached.

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