It’s the message that matters
Day 631, Monday, May 4
Philippians 1:1-26
As a teenager I heard a preacher address the question of if it is OK to listen to music performed by artists with unchristian lifestyles. His answer stuck with me; he said that the beauty of music or other art comes from God, even when it flows through a broken vessel.
Ironically, that preacher was later involved in a high-profile scandal. He, too, was a broken vessel, but I’ve never believed that necessarily tainted the truth of everything he taught.
What I learned as I continued to consider his words in that sermon was that it is possible—even necessary—to consider the truth of a person’s message separately from the messenger. Yes, the Bible teaches that only a good tree can produce good fruit, but it also teaches that we as Christians have a priceless treasure in clay jars. It is unwise to toss out the treasure because of the fragility of its vessel.
Only in Jesus himself were the message and the messenger perfectly aligned. We may strive for that, but risk falling to pride if we think we can achieve it.
Today’s reading says the same thing in different ways: it’s the message of salvation through Jesus Christ that matters.
Paul writes this letter from prison, but rather than viewing that as misfortune, he celebrates what it accomplishes. “As a result, it has become clear through the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”
And, in contrast to 2 Corinthians, Paul seems unperturbed by competing preachers. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill,” he said. “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.”
He continues by saying that God will be glorified whether Paul lives or dies. Living, in fact, is a concession to what is needed, not what he desires. “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
Monday meditation
Psalms 119:41-48
May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.
Prayer focus
May your word be spread, O Lord, both in spite of and through our weakness.
-Rev. Mark Fleming