It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

philippians 1:15-18

Paul had a problem, or so it seemed to others; there were people doing the same thing as him and some with bad motives!

Paul asserted that his priorities were elsewhere. If the gospel was indeed being preached, then his goal was to continue the work he had been called to. It ought to be the same for us. We cannot be so fixated on what others are doing to the point where we neglect our own duty, even if those rivals intend to do us harm. Because what is worse, not preaching the Gospel or not preaching the Gospel because someone else is?

Ethan Kirl