Sincere Hearts and Uncomfortable Callings (Philippians 2)

The truth isn’t always pretty, even when it comes to the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul wrote an alarming and unfortunate statement in Philippians 2:20-21. It reads, “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” Paul was speaking of Timothy. Although he was in prison, Paul intended to send Timothy to the believers at Philippi in his place until he was freed. Sending Timothy was, of course, an awesome thing. To have someone who would encourage and love them the way Paul did was surely a blessing to the Philippians. Yet, Paul’s statement regarding the other leaders in the gospel is both sad and shocking.

Out of all the preachers and teachers of the gospel during this time, Paul thought not many of them taught from a sincere heart—no one preached simply for the sake of Christ. This alludes to the fact that many teachers and preachers were preaching for themselves. It means they only shared Christ with others due to some underlying ulterior motive that had nothing to do with the love of God or love for His people.

Paul mentioned that some of the leaders preached only to spite him. For others, I cannot say. But Paul does say that some of them preached out of selfish ambition and that the Philippians should do nothing out of selfish ambition (Philippians 1:16, 2:3). A lesson learned then is a lesson to be learned now. Culturally speaking, especially in America, many of us are raised to be selfish.

In this capitalistic society—this society that teaches us to build for ourselves, a society that makes us the center of our own world, a society that encourages us to seek out education, wealth, and success only to be consumed for our own benefit … well, in this society, how can selfish ambition not creep into our hearts? Even in the hearts of those who belong to Christ?

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts because the issues of life flow from them. Yet, it is difficult to guard our hearts against things that were placed in them before we even became aware that we should have guarded against it. Make no mistake, there’s nothing wrong with having ambitious goals. Achieving accolades for the things we have accomplished is beautiful.

Yet, the worldly culture of selfish ambition, the way of life that teaches us to do things only for our own well-being, has infiltrated the hearts of believers. We see people who preach the gospel, not for the love of God, but for the love of power. Some love the attention and influence that comes with spreading the gospel. They become likened to Satan—loving the gift of God more than God. Exalting themselves over God and His will for the love of their own beauty. For the love of their own accolades and glory.

Some do it for money. A laborer is worthy of his hire (1 Timothy 5:18), meaning fair compensation should be given to men and women of God for their services. But when compensation is the primary reason we share the gospel, we are in grave error. Some preachers and teachers rely on their gifts in the kingdom to pay their bills; therefore, when they share God’s Word, they may do it with bills in mind, instead of souls.

The motives behind why someone shares the gospel could be a wide range of reasons. But if it's not for the love of God and His people, we are operating demonically. “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.” (James 3:14-15).

Therefore, please pray for laborers in the gospel. Pray for those in service to the kingdom—pray for yourself also that as servants of God, we will not operate in this way. Petition God to help us avoid earthly or demonic influences; rather, let us be influenced by the Spirit and love of God. May only the love of God and His people motive us in our service in the kingdom.

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Philippians 2 ends with Paul acknowledging another co-worker in the gospel, Epaphroditus. The Philippian Church was concerned about Epaphroditus’s health, and Paul reported that he was well. Paul expressed how happy he was that Epaphroditus was still alive: “God had mercy on him, and not only him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” (Philippians 2:27).

Being in prison was hard enough. If Epaphroditus had died while Paul was locked away, Paul would have indeed suffered from sorrow upon sorrow. Yet even though Epaphroditus was sick, he did not stop his service in God’s Kingdom. The final verse of Philippians 2 reads, “Because of the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.” (v. 30).

Epaphroditus had a calling on his life. He knew his purpose was to serve in the kingdom, and he didn’t let anything stop him from fulfilling that purpose. Even when things became uncomfortable for him, he pressed on towards his calling.

I’ve heard some say that if something is from God, then it will be easy. That it will not come with pressure… that it’ll only come with peace. This sounds good. It sounds as if it may even be right. But biblical history says otherwise.

Moses was called to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, which he deemed a tough calling. He debated with God, asking if God could send someone other than him because the call of Moses came with pressure (Exodus 4). Even while obeying the call, Moses wanted to back out of it because of how difficult it was to lead God’s people. He even asked God to kill him because the burden was so heavy (Numbers 11:14-15). It was uncomfortable for Moses.  

When we look at the call of others in the Bible, we see just how uncomfortable a calling or assignment on your life can be. The first king of Israel, Saul, thought the calling of being a king came with pressure because he was born into the least of the tribes of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). Gideon had the same sentiments. He didn’t think he could be a warrior because his clan was the weakest in Manasseh (Judges 6:15). Hosea’s calling was incredibly hard as he was called to marry and be faithful to an adulterous prostitute. And the very author of Philippians 2 wrote this letter while in prison, and his letter mentions Epaphroditus, whose calling was so high it almost killed him.

Uncomfortable callings within the Kingdom of God is a real thing. It is not always free from pressure and filled with sweet dreams, lollipops, and butterflies. The calling of God can be hard. Yet, we are promised peace in the midst of adversity. God promises to never leave us, and if God is our peace, and He is with us wherever we go, then no matter where we go, we should have peace, even if we are uncomfortable.

And so, reader, that is all I have for you today. This completes our review of Philippians 2. I pray it has blessed, encouraged, and edified you. Onward to Philippians 3 next week, if God allows it. Please pray that the servants of God will have sincere hearts in fulfilling their callings, and may we be encouraged to remain in the callings even if they are uncomfortable.

May God bless you and keep you. Until next time, take care.

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God bless you,

Quintella Arrington