Philippians 1:15-18
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of 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. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice...
Paul was suffering from physical bondage when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. He was also facing pressure in his mind, which was criticism from others. It's hard for us to imagine that disciples like Paul would be criticized. In fact, Paul was faced with much misunderstanding and attack. It's hard to accept criticism; when people are right in criticize, our ego doesn't want to acknowledge it; when people are wrong, we are offended and won't ever forget. We are often hurt by criticisms that are unfair; the more we think about it the more we pity ourselves, and we might also become disillusioned, thinking that we might as well give up.
Paul did rush to his own defense, and he also wasn't disillusioned and withdrawn because of the criticism by others, because he valued the Lord's will more than he valued his own ego, "but what does it matter? The important thing is that... Christ is preached." The secret of Paul to overcome criticism is to value Christ more than he values himself. It's like a person who enters a running race, his eyes would always focus on the finish line. When the spectators clap and cheer for him, he won't stop and shake every hand to thank them; when the spectators boo and toss eggs at him, he won't stop and yell madly at them or start fighting them. The runner knows where the finish line is and what his prize will be.
What is our goal in life and the reward for us? Once I know the importance of this question, I totally saw the light! I am no longer bound by situation of being criticized and I no longer hold any grudge against others. I learned from the example of Paul - "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Are you still in a situation of being criticized? Did the wounds in your past still leaving shadow in your heart? Let me tell you in the name of the Lord: "Lay them down and let them go! Let the Spirit of the Lord release you and uphold you; focus again on the will of the Lord and follow Him closely!"
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord Jesus, I ask that you help me, I had many wounds and shadows from the past, and because of them I am not free. I am willing to lay them down and I don't want to stay where I am. May the Lord help me to continue to run forward towards to finish line. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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