“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 selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (Philippians 1:15-18 ESV)
In That, I Rejoice!
Over the weekend, thousands of people gathered at the National Mall in Washington D.C. for a daylong prayer service to rededicate our country as “One nation under God.” Our president, Donald Trump, recited 2 Chronicles 7:11-12. It states, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This is a powerful verse for our president to read over our country. It was one of my dad’s favorite verses, God rest his soul. Yet, my flesh would not allow me to rejoice in that. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about the president’s profanity-filled rant on Easter morning about Iran, his comments about the pope, the AI generated image of himself as Jesus, or the mean-spirited political commercials that are endorsed by him. Therefore, I could not rejoice in that.
So, Let’s Talk About That
When we don’t trust someone, it is almost impossible for us to rejoice with them. Think about it! God could call that person to do something great, like host a gathering in His name, but we can’t look past the person. We rehearse their transgressions, appoint ourselves as their judges, and find jury members to convict them. Well, Paul gives us a different perspective. One that puts the focus back on Christ! He said, “…Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” So, I can put my gavel down and rejoice because Christ was proclaimed over the nation. What about you? Have you ever rehearsed someone’s transgressions? Have you ever appointed yourself as a judge? Have you ever had trouble rejoicing in a situation like this? Think about it!
Go to the Father
“Search me O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!”
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Upcoming: “I Couldn’t Rejoice in That Either”
Excerpt: I found a Christian organization online that protested the “Rededicate 250” prayer rally. I read their mission statement and I was encouraged by their devotion to showing the world how to truly love their neighbors. They celebrate diversity, advocate for equality, and believe in inclusion. Living in a world where everyone is treated fairly is very important to me, so that was music to my ears. In other words, I rejoiced in that… until I read a little further. Yikes! It wasn’t long before I realized that I couldn’t rejoice in that either.
