Advancing the Gospel

Daily Reading: Philippians 1

Scripture Focus: I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (Philippians 1.12)

Devotional Thought: What?  Paul, you're in jail!  How can that advance the gospel?

We are conditioned to think quite the opposite, aren’t we?  We think that successful, prominent ministries advance the gospel.  Or, that the rich and famous advance the gospel.  The message is clear: “Be like me and you will succeed.”  It is a seductive argument.  After all, who wouldn’t want comfort over pain, wealth over poverty, acclaim over anonymity?

This chasing after success is seen in the books that are sold, the speaking fees that are paid, the awards that are received.  We are enamored by the celebrities among us to the point that we are willing to advance a famous or successful person - whether an athlete, a politician, or an entertainer - as an authority in spiritual matters.  A person who lives quietly and simply is never put in front of American Christians, hungry for success and admiration.

But, who was Paul in his day?  He was an abject failure by many accounts.  He couldn’t stay out of jail.  He was rejected and ridiculed.  He suffered failure and humiliation.  He was silenced by storms and by stoning.  He was small of stature and weak in health.  His speaking ability was only a shadow of his writing.  He didn’t garner large audiences, nor command high speaking fees.  As a matter of fact, he gave no thought to honorariums.  He would pay his own way in order to preach the gospel!  It was through this weak and powerless life that Paul advanced the gospel.

This is why Paul could write that he rejoiced in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12.9).  He knew what we forget.  Real hope is offered by those who find hope in the midst of adversity.  And, God receives the glory.

Prayer: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  Too often, though, I try to conquer the earth through earthly power. Forgive me, O Lord, and may my life, no matter its success or failure, serve to advance the gospel.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 131.1-3

1 My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.