PHILIPPIANS 1:18-19

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.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

TO PONDER

In these verses, Paul is talking to the Philippian Christians about his imprisonment. Paul's response to his situations is basically "What does it matter? I may be in prison, locked up in chains but what does it matter? I'm here because I faithfully did what God asked me to do which was to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that whatever happens I'm safe in the arms of God."

Now I don't know if Paul was necessarily talking about his physical safety, or whether he was referring to his assurance of eternal deliverance, but either way, this kind of faith propelled him to boldly proclaim Christ in ever circumstance.

I have to be honest, I have not always had the confidence of Paul, I often think about the possible implications of proclaiming Jesus in different situations. "What if it ruins my relationship with this person?", "What if it impacts my employment or opportunity for promotion?", "What if I don't know how to answer their question and end up looking stupid?" The list of "what if's" is almost endless. And yet, according to Paul, the answer to all those "what if's" is the same; "what does it matter?"

What does matter is that every time we do share the good news of Jesus, we have an opportunity to see God at work. Every time we share Jesus we create an opportunity for someone else to respond to the good news and become part of God's family. What matters is that Jesus has made us free so that we can live free of the burden and anxieties of the "what if's". Paul's joy and fulness of life was not attached to his political freedom, his wealth or status, or anything like that, His joy was found in seeing and hearing Christ Jesus preached and proclaimed. That's what matters!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are all that matters. I know I often forget that and priorities other things and other concerns. Help me to be able to discern more accurately the things that really matter. Help me to trust that when I seek first your kingdom and righteousness, all the other needs and concerns of life will be taken care of. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle