For once the majority is right!
So often for Christians there is a sense of fighting against the current. Increasingly where we live Christians are marginalised and seen as the quirky periphery, those who don’t quite fit in. Immorality is now considered lifestyle, character is seen as formalism, and principle has become intolerance. And to bring up Christ and the gospel is quaint, old-fashioned and easily dismissed.
And maybe that is why Christians are having such little impact today. We believe what the world is saying!
But the apostle Paul assured that world thousands of years ago that if one Christian is willing to stand up and proclaim Jesus, that the reaction would amaze the world.
In Philippians 1:14, Paul says that his standing up for Christ in difficult circumstances had emboldened the majority to do likewise. “And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Phil.1:14 NIV). Look at how he describes the majority’s reaction:
  • Because of Paul’s determination, the majority had been convinced to tell others about the saving message of Jesus.
  • Because of Paul’s determination, the majority dared to proclaim the gospel.
  • Because of Paul’s determination, the majority were even more determined.
  • Because of Paul’s determination, the majority were not afraid any longer of speaking out and speaking up for Christ.
Of course, there will always be that small minority who no matter what is done, they will find a reason to moan and be fearful. And in moaning they show how far from Christ they are, and being fearful they show how much they are influenced by the perversion of the world around them.
Paul was not like that. For him it was a real joy to hear that most of the Christians in the city of Rome were spreading the message of God’s love. “I am happy about it – just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy” (Phil.1:18 GNB).
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the majority of Christians today were taking upon themselves to daily proclaim the gospel?