motives (phil 1:15-17)

Philippians 1:15-17

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

Paul's imprisonment has inspired others to preach the gospel but different groups have different motives. Some are doing it out of love, for God, others and Paul. They understand that he sees his own imprisonment as an opportunity for the gospel to advance and they do as well. But anotger group does it out of selfish ambition and jealousy. They are envious of Paul and see this as an opportunity to step up and get a bit of recognition themselves. We need to examine our own motives. when we speak about Jesus to others, christians or non christians, are we doing it out of love for God and others or to make ourselves look good, to give that person a certain impression of us, to impress that person with us rather than God? Are we envious of other people or churches, becoming angry when things go well for them and secretly rejoicing when things go badly for them? I need God's help to operate out of love, not envy or rivalry.