BibleWorm

This week we’re reading Philippians 1:1–18, in which the apostle Paul gives thanks to the church in Philippi for their friendship and ongoing support of his ministry. Paul writes this letter from prison where, predictably, Paul is not wallowing in self-pity but continues his mission, even converting the Praetorian Guard. We wrestle with Paul’s insistence that any proclamation of the Gospel is valuable, even if done for the wrong reasons. Has he really thought through the long-term implications of people preaching for selfish gain? Yet we find beauty in Paul’s instruction to live a life in which love and compassion lead to greater knowledge and understanding, producing righteousness on behalf of others. What a world that would be! Jesus won’t take the wheel. But maybe he could be our backseat driver?