![[Photo of a Scripture verse]](https://www.deankwilson.com/Blog_images/Philippians_1_18.jpg)
| “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.” |
| —Philippians 1:18 |
Some things in life are very important—other things, not so much. Sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge to try to decide which is which.
For example: I have many dear friends who do not fully embrace my Reformed perspective on theology. In fact, I was raised in Arminianism. But, I was moved during college—albeit at an Arminian-Holiness institution—to embrace the Reformed theology of John Calvin. The theological differences between these dear ones and me matter very little in the broadest scheme of things.
I’m not suggesting that nuances of theology aren’t important. They are important. But, when it comes to friendship and the fellowship of the Gospel, I am willing to allow those dear to me to hold beliefs different from my own.
Another example of whether differences matter or not comes when I consider certain high-profile preachers. I have mentioned in this blog before that, at a time in my life when I was being attacked within the walls of my own dearly loved church, I found comfort and healing from the words of Joel Osteen. His positive take on the power of Christ was just what my wounded spirit needed at that time in my life. And, when I would listen to the entire worship service on-line, I found the teaching portion of the service conducted by Joel’s wife, Victoria, to be theologically rich and very instructive.
Sadly, I have many Christian friends who seem to disdain, even despise, the Osteens. They do so with an outcry of “Prosperity Gospel,” as they dismiss any value the Osteens might have to Christ and His Kingdom. While the Pentecostalism background of the Osteens is very different than my own, I have come to appreciate what their positive message has done in the lives of thousands of people who might not otherwise have sought help from God through His Son, Jesus.
The Apostle Paul had something to say about such matters. Please take note of these words found in Philippians 1:15-19:
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 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.
Paul is in prison for the sake of the Gospel. He is persecuted because he has taken a strong stand for Jesus. Word reaches him in prison that some preachers are preaching in an unworthy manner—that reminds me of the way some of my friends speak of the Osteens and other such preachers. But, Paul’s response is very practical. He recognizes that people might not all agree on the style or substance of some particular preacher. But, Paul quickly reminds his readers that whenever Christ is preached, it’s a good thing.
I am not an apologist for the Osteens. But, I think we do well when we remember that criticizing the preaching of one who has dedicated his or her life to serving Christ places us on dangerous ground. There is a fine line between analysis and criticism. I believe it’s better to stay away from possibly crossing that line.
As we begin a new day, in all of our reactions to what we hear in church, on the radio, on the internet, or from other sources, we need to prayerfully receive the message of God’s servants. We should be quick to affirm and slow to criticize. That, I think, is a better way.
