The Goal

By Kevin Baird

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
Philippians 1:12

In May of 1940, Winston Churchill addressing the House of Commons stated, "I say to the House as I said to ministers who have joined this government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” He was laying out his commitment and calling the UK to the tremendous task of resisting the rise of Nazism. Great goals are worth great effort.

Paul, in referencing what had happened to him, is speaking of the blood, sweat, and tears he expended in his labor for the gospel. Most likely he is in a Roman prison after suffering deprivations, ship wrecks, mocking, beating, etc. He has gone through a lot, but is encouraging his friends and supporters in Philippi that this great suffering helped advance the gospel, because more and more people were hearing and responding to the forgiveness and new life of Jesus. The goal of sharing the gospel is the Greatest goal and worth the effort!

It is important for us to think deeply about how we advance the gospel. Do we think it is a goal worth the effort? How much is it in our daily, weekly, yearly goal setting? How do our choices and actions reflect the magnitude of the goal?
Christians love to give their blood, sweat, and tears because the goal is so great and we align with the one who is the exemplar of the phrase, Jesus himself.
“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:44 KJV)

Dear Lord,
Make us servants who understand the goal of sharing the good news. Deepen our love for you and our appreciation for the blood, sweat, and tears Jesus exerted for us. Help us to share and pray with each other so that we submit whatever we are going through into your good care so that the gospel will advance.
In Christ, Amen