Competition. It can be a dirty word for some. Some cower in fear over the very thought of competition and others rise up and stand in the front of the line. Some shrink back and hope they aren’t chosen, and others are upset if they aren’t chosen first.
Our society is founded upon and driven by competition. If you want to survive in this world or if you want to have a growing and lucrative business, than you have to be better than the rest. That’s how it goes.
I recently went to a college graduation at a Christian college. The Commencement speaker that day came out of the business world. He was a Christian and had quite the impressive resume. He authored many best selling books, knew George W. Bush personally and was a graduate of Harvard.
He was impressive, but his speech was like a poorly dubbed foreign film where what was heard didn’t match the lips. In this case, the speech didn’t match the mission of the college.
He spoke about courage, competition and rising above the rest of the fellow graduates in pursuit of their own personal goals. The speech just didn’t match the mission of a school that exists to create servant leaders in the church and world. For students who were taught to “value others over self” (Philippians 2:3), the message did not resonate.
All that to say that the competition that permeates our world doesn’t match up with the mission of the church very well.
When we think about our life together as the church, do we think in terms of competition? Do we get frustrated when some are honored and recognized and we are forgotten? Are we angry when it seems that other people matter more than others? Do we resent people for having positions of authority that we don’t think they deserve?
When competition enters the hearts of Christians the Church often loses. That’s why I think Paul tells us, and our competitive spirits to “Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:11). Paul redirects this desire to compete towards something that will benefit the whole church. Outdo one another in how you show respect and love others.
While people in the world feel like life is all about getting the honor and respect they deserve, the church is bent on giving respect and honor that they feel others deserve more than themselves.
The church is about reverse competition. It’s about picking up the lowly and honoring them, while the prideful are humbled.
So in a society, as well as a marketplace driven by competition, how might we live differently?
For starters, let’s listen to Paul,
Romans 12:11-16
11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.