Philippians 1:15-18

“Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The from preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.” Philippians 1:15-17.

Couple months ago we purchased Hyemi and Sebin’s air travel tickets to Korea over the phone. I called the airline office and I started asking the price and discussing the dates of the travel. As the airline agent and I were discussing the trip he asked me certain questions regarding the trip and it annoyed me. The questions seemed very disrespectful. I was not happy with the service I was receiving over the phone. My tone of voice started to change. I was upset and I started expressing my complaints to this agent. I sounded like an angry bird.

The agent on the phone was startled and surprised. He then expressed his apology numerous times. Hyemi looked at me. She was giving me the ‘what-are-you-doing’ face. I realized I wasn’t being a Christian. I thought I was being wrongfully treated and I snapped. Whether I was right or wrong, it didn’t matter. I was not representing Christ in the way I should. I wonder what he would of what of me if he knew that I was a Christian. What if he knew that I was a pastor? After all, as I reviewed the conversation in my head I knew that this agent had done nothing wrong. Once I realized what I did, I repeatedly apologized for my actions. It was way in to the night for this agent receiving my call from Korea. (They are open 24 hours.)

To be called a Christian must be a privileged label. Our actions and words preach Christ. “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached.” Philippians 1:18. Therefore, we must always watch out what we say and how we act. A true Christian preaches ‘out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.’ Philippians 1:17. The words I say and the actions I reveal must show the essence of the gospel that people see Jesus. When we do this Paul says, “I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” Philippians 1:18.