Philippians: Living for What Really MattersParaugs

Have you ever struggled with someone else because they have what you want? 

Her business is more successful than yours. She’s married, and you haven’t had a date since The Office premiered. She has kids, and you’re struggling with infertility. She just finished a gorgeous home remodel, while you’re praying the hinges of your kitchen cabinets hold on a little longer.

I get it. I’ve felt most of these things myself. 

Envy has a lot of dark sides. Unhealthy ambition, which envy is a symptom of, causes us to push other people down. And that feels yucky, doesn’t it? 

That’s basically what Paul is talking about in Philippians today. 

He doesn’t share all the details, but he knows that some folks are preaching the gospel out of selfish ambition. They’re likely thrilled that he has been arrested and see his absence as an opportunity. 

What is the focus of these people’s ambition?

Christ? Furthering the gospel? Empowering the body of believers?

Nope. Self.

We find this phrase selfish ambition in several places within the Bible, including James 3:14-18 and later in Philippians (2:2-4). In the original Greek, this word eritheia literally means “seeking followers out of rivalry and selfish gain.”

Paul doesn’t defend himself or try to bolster his stature. He doesn’t bad-mouth the people relishing in his imprisonment. Instead, he refocuses the conversation on what really matters: God can use even selfish ambition for His ultimate gain.

Because Paul’s focus is on Christ and not on himself, he doesn’t really care what these other guys are saying behind his back. Even if these prideful individuals are preaching out of envy rather than the genuine desire to share the gospel—people are still hearing God’s message! 

God can use anything for His glory. But He’d much rather use our redeemed hearts and our love for one another (John 13:35). How can we be women who build one another up instead of tearing each other down? There is enough room at the table for all of us, and we are stronger together. When did we start believing the lie that we can’t all win? That God can’t use all of us, amid both our similarities and our differences?

In the life that really matters, we’ll genuinely and authentically root every person in our lives. Let’s pray that God uproots envy so we can live for Him.   

You've completed the Get Wisdom - Philippians reading plan! To keep going, check out the full book - Living for What Really Matters: 7 weeks in the book of Philippians  by Teresa Swanstrom Anderson. Be sure to look for the Get Wisdom reading plans and studies for Psalms and Joshua.