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Some, are preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit.
- Philippians 1:15
Celebrity Pastors and worship leaders are everywhere.
It’s not good to admire any person, church or worship artist to the point of idolatry.
We quote famous Christians or what we heard on a great podcast, which is good, but what have you gotten for yourself from your time with God?
What are you seeing and hearing in your prayer time?
Guard yourselves from learning about Christ only from people and not Christ Himself.
Knowledge of God is precious, but revelation found while spending time with Him is life-changing.
Today: I thank you God for my earthly teachers, but let them never replace being a disciple at your feet.
Knowledge puffs up but love builds up. - 1 Corinthians 8:1
With Love,
Paper Sunday
It’s easy to focus on what we do—but God gently invites us to examine why we do it. Before moving forward, take a moment to sit with your intentions, your desires, and your heart posture before Him.
Journal & Reflect
- What motivates the way I serve others or live out my faith?
- Have I ever compared myself to others in a way that affected my intentions?
- Where might envy, pride, or insecurity be shaping my actions?
- What would it look like to serve with a fully pure and willing heart?
- How can I realign my motives with love and truth today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Philippians 1:15 mean?
Paul acknowledges that people preach Christ for different reasons—some from envy or rivalry, others from genuine love. It highlights the importance of our inner motives, not just outward actions.
Why do motives matter in faith?
God sees beyond actions into the heart. Pure motives align our lives more closely with His will and bring deeper spiritual fulfillment.
How can I check my motives?
Through prayer, honest self-reflection, and inviting God to reveal areas where your heart may need realignment.
Is it wrong to struggle with comparison?
It’s human, but unchecked comparison can distort our intentions. Bringing those feelings to God helps restore clarity and peace.
Prayer
Lord, Search my heart and reveal the true motives behind my actions. Where there is pride, replace it with humility. Where there is comparison, plant contentment. Help me serve You not for recognition, but from a place of genuine love. Purify my intentions so that everything I do reflects Your truth and grace. Amen.
Message from Kara Heckel, founder of Paper Sunday
I’ve found that some of the hardest moments in faith aren’t about what we’re doing—but about what’s happening beneath the surface. This verse gently reminds me that God cares deeply about our hearts, not just our actions. If you’ve ever felt the tension of comparison or questioned your motives, you’re not alone. My hope is that today’s devotional gives you space to realign, reset, and move forward with peace and purpose.
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Journals www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Water Lilly Personalized Scripture Journal.
2 comments
Sheryl
Peace and purpose!! Thank you =]
Peace and purpose!! Thank you =]
Toni
Very good teaching. Very thought provoking and soul searching. Thank you.
Very good teaching. Very thought provoking and soul searching. Thank you.