55-Day Devotional Journey – Day 5
June 5, 2025 (Friday)
Scripture:
“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.”
Philippians 1:15–18 (NIV)
Devotion: Letting Go of the Spotlight
Paul was in prison, and he knew that not everyone preaching Christ was doing it out of pure motives. Some were genuine—preaching out of love and support. But others were using the opportunity to boost themselves, maybe even hoping to make Paul look bad while he was sidelined. Still, Paul didn’t fight back. He didn’t fall into bitterness or comparison. Instead, he said something that shows the depth of his heart: “What does it matter? Christ is being preached. And I rejoice.”
I remember attending a few pastor retreats when I was serving in the U.S. Many of the pastors there were leading large churches, publishing books, and speaking at big events. They were gracious and humble, but deep down, I felt small. I started wondering if I even belonged there. Those feelings didn’t come from them—they came from me. That quiet voice of comparison, the need to measure up, was speaking louder than I realized. Reading Paul’s words again reminds me: the goal is not to be seen—it’s to see Christ lifted up. Even when others are doing more, even when I feel unnoticed, I want to have a heart like Paul’s—a heart that truly rejoices whenever Jesus is preached, no matter who gets the spotlight.
Reflection Question
Are there times when your joy depends on being noticed? How can Paul’s perspective help you find freedom and joy in simply seeing Jesus proclaimed?
Prayer
Lord, teach me to rejoice whenever You are being made known—even if I’m not the one leading or being seen. Help me let go of comparison and serve with a heart that just wants You to be lifted high. Amen.
By Pastor James Su