| Competition In The Church |
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There’s a spirit that dominates our culture and compels men and women to go after success, by any means necessary. This spirit tries to convince us to compromise our values, to lower our standards, to forget our morals; just for a taste of power and prestige. I’m talking about the spirit of competition. In sports competition is friendly, it’s harmless, entertaining and even fun, but when that spirit shows up in the Church, it becomes destructive.
From the beginning of time the spirit of competition has been deceiving and influencing GOD’S people. Adam & Eve were under the influence when they ate the forbidden fruit; they were trying to compete with GOD. Competition influenced Cain to kill Able, Jacob to betray Esau and Joseph’s brothers to throw him in a pit. All of these stories show us how fierce competition can be, how it can turn brother against brother.
Even the disciples competed when they argued about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of GOD. There’s much evidence, that the spirit of competition has been trying (and may I add) is still trying to divide and conqueror GOD’S people. Whenever we see separatism, racism, sexism, cliques and elitist attitudes in the church, that’s evidence that the spirit of competition is at work. The whole plan is to divide and conqueror GOD’S people; so that the CHURCH does not operate at maximum potential. The strategy is to dilute the power of the church so the message of the resurrected CHRIST would not reach a lost and dying world!
So, how do we avoid the traps of competition?
Check your Motives. There’s nothing wrong with aspiring for greatness. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but there’s a difference between a man who wants to shine for GOD and a man who wants to outshine his neighbor. There’s a difference between a woman who uses her gifts to glorify GOD and a woman who uses the Name of the LORD to glorify her gifts. The difference is in the motives. Even the best of us have to keep our motives in check, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD.
Have a Servant’s Heart. It’s time to let go of that mind set that says we can love GOD and dislike HIS people. Our relationship with GOD is inclusive not exclusive. In fact, if you really love The LORD you must be willing serve HIS people. JESUS said: If you love me , feed my sheep. To overcome competition, we must have the heart of a servant. For even the SON of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give HIS life as a ransom for many!
Know Your Mission. People who don't know their GOD-given mission tend to compete, in order to gain a sense of purpose. Instead of THE HOLY SPIRIT leading them, they rely on their connections and popularity to open doors for them. When you get an assignment from GOD, you don’t have to jockey for position or compete in any way. You will have a peace that surpases all understanding, guarding your heart and your mind. Seek GOD for your personal assignment. Fast, pray,lay before the LORD and HE will reveal your mission in due season.
Don't Compare Yourself to Others. You are a designer original - the handiwork of The Most High GOD. Your unique personality, your life experiences, your gifts and your talents are all a necessary part of the BODY of CHRIST. Work on being a better YOU and Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Just do your personal best and The LORD will take care of the rest!
Pamela LaVeist Bell 2008
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