Scripture: Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV)

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

When we see princesses in movies and fables, they often are decked out in the trappings of the office. They may be good and kind, but they are looking to rule and they are looking to do so from luxury. They may not think about it and the story may give them some reversals, but in the end they are usually back on the throne in their castle, perhaps with a better mindset than before.

Leia didn’t care much for her titles and privilege. It was more about “how can this help me achieve my goal” than “what’s in it for me?” Leia could have been content being a princess on Alderaan, enjoying her wealth and status. Instead, she quickly started working in the Rebellion, trying to help others by overthrowing the Empire. We never see that she was doing this so that she could rule in a better way–in fact, while she is one of the leaders of the rebels, she’s not the head of the whole group like Mon Mothma is. It’s very possible, if that was what was needed, she could have helped get rid of the Emperor and then stepped off the stage, though with her skills and talents that was unlikely to be the best course of action. She was willing to get involved, to do things most princesses wouldn’t, in service of others and to restore freedom to the galaxy. Leia knew there were more important things than how she was treated.

Paul was of the similar thought as Leia. His learning, his status, his education, none of it mattered except that it helped him teach and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He wanted to let people know that Christ was alive and He loved each one of them. He wasn’t going to let protocol or stuffy expectations get in the way of that. Nothing was of worth save his salvation and he wanted to make sure everyone was aware that they could have that salvation too. Christ was more important than anything else.

What’s holding you back from preaching Christ or showing His love to others? Do you occasional expect that you should be treated in a certain way because of your involvement in the church? Do you feel you get the biggest say because you write the biggest checks? We have to be on guard not to expect special treatment but be willing to be on whatever level necessary to do God’s work!