Day 344

December 10th
Philippians 1:1-2:11; Philemon 1.  “Messages and Motives”
         “Whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice” (Philip. 1:18).
         The Apostle Paul declared his imprisonment was a tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel.  With pure motives he preached the Good News of Jesus Christ.  However, others preached just to build up their own reputation, and out of jealousy they used Paul’s imprisonment to try to make a name for themselves.  It’s amazing how God can still use people and situations to bring Him glory that are truly not seeking His glory. 
As with any topic, our motives should match the message we are sharing.  Perhaps even more so, our motives, our reason for sharing the message of Christ should match the truth and beauty of that message.  It’s apparent that the beauty of the message of Christ had touched Paul’s life in such a way that he had joy even while imprisoned.  Does your message match your motives?  Knowing that the message of Christ was being preached caused Paul to “rejoice.”  Does it cause you to rejoice?