Daily Verse: Philippians 2:17

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

We occasionally see examples in the news about someone who jumps into icy water, a burning vehicle, or a collapsed building to save another. This person sets aside their own well-being in order to save the life of the person caught in the mess. They often act quickly in the moment, not thinking about all the consequences for their actions…they could be in injured or even lose their own life…yet they still step forward. In the text above, Paul is explaining to the Philippians that even if he must be sacrificed for their faith in Christ, it is all well worth it…in fact he is even happy about that possibility. Paul understands that the Gospel is incredibly serious…and it comes with dire consequences for those that reject it. So if it means he must be sacrificed as a result of others coming to Christ, then so be it…bring it on. Paul puts others above himself…he sees the burning building and he charges in head first, casting aside any doubt about his own well-being. Paul is mirroring the life of Christ…who assumed the role of man and took a torturous punishment so that others might be saved…a love so deep that he denied all well-being and made the ultimate sacrifice. Now we may not be called to endure physical pain or torture to share the Gospel but we might be called to step outside of our comfort zone. Will we take that step forward or cower back, resting on the laundry list of excuses that we put in our way? We might be called to go against the prevailing winds in proclaiming the name of Christ .We may be called to speak something that is not politically correct, hardly popular, or downright shocking to some…but we need not worry. For as long as we are proclaiming the Gospel Truth, we can stand firm, knowing that we have God in our corner…and through God, we can do mighty things in this world. Even things that once seemed impractical, arduous or impossible. May we have the courage, trust, and faith today to run into that burning building to save another…so that all make come to know the name of Jesus Christ! To God be the glory!