(I was unable to post this on September 6, 2011 the day to which it applies.)
Paul has an interesting perspective to share in our epistle reading today. As long as the good news of the gospel is being shared does it really matter what the motive is? "Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, and some from goodwill...," he says. "What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way" (Philippians 1:15, 18). We might be reminded of the expression, “there's no such thing as bad publicity.” But is that really what Paul means?
Learning the good news of Jesus Christ is an invitation into a new relationship, one that centers on the new thing that God is doing in the world. The gospel has the power to transcend our lives and to point us toward a greater reality. As the Holy Spirit works though the word of God it gives new understanding to those who listen. Publicity is a means of communicating human perspectives based on cultural factors. While there is undeniable power to be found in secular media it is not the power to transcend life but merely to become more enmeshed in it, like struggling in quicksand. The gospel has an energy of it’s own so that whether it is spread through envy or through grace it is always good news, and as we who are believers seek to communicate our faith we should rely more on God’s grace and less on our own eloquence.
Prayer: Lord, remind us of the power of your word to change lives, and help us to honestly share our faith with the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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