⁸… according to my gospel, ⁹for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. ¹⁰For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

The apostle Paul was imprisoned, but the gospel was not. Nothing could stop it, neither then nor now. The messengers can be incarcerated and even killed, but the truth of God’s Word will continue to prevail. Jesus said “the gates of Hades [would] not overpower” the marching forward of God’s people, the church (Matt. 16:18). Individually, no one is indispensable to the movement. Of course, God used some like Paul in a great way, planting churches and writing inspired letters. But even without him, the message would still have gone forward.

In his testimony to the Philippian believers, Paul writes that although some were taking advantage of his incarceration and preaching Christ “out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives,” he nonetheless rejoices that “in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed.” The message goes on despite ulterior motives.

Paul sets a remarkable example of self-disinterest in his willingness to sacrifice his comfort, even his life, whatever may come, for the benefit of others. To be sure, it was not easy being whipped, harassed, and opposed. But Paul saw those things not as deterrents, but as collateral issues on the road to his goal. One could say he was altruistic in the truest sense. Nonetheless, he did get something out of his sacrifice: the joy of sharing in the glory of Jesus Christ, with whose will he so closely identified.

Because Paul’s desires aligned with Christ’s, he shared the same goal. What was that goal? The salvation of souls, so that others might share in the eternal glory of Jesus Christ! This should put to rest the health and welfare gospel that seeks to motivate Christians with the promise of earthly benefits. Paul’s goal was higher than any comfort on earth or any financial benefit. His goal was not self-centered, as though the Christian life was a sort of self-help focus with a spiritual veneer, the means to an inferior end. We can learn much from the apostle’s example and teaching. Although we may wish our sufferings, difficulties, and persecutions would end, that is not our ultimate goal. We must set our sights higher, in line with that of our Savior. Only this can help us endure the difficulties we face.

Lord, I keep my eyes on You and the eternal reward of sharing in Your glory!