Competing vs. Completing!

A competitive spirit is very common especially among boys and men. Though I don’t have to win all the time, I do like a good contest. Even when I began to lose weight a little over three years ago, though I was not competing against anyone I still felt a sense of competition in desiring to show what I could do if I set my mind to it. I do, however, need to acknowledge I received much encouragement from others along the way.

One thing which much be considered with regard to a competitive spirit is the IMPACT it can have ON RELATIONSHIPS. In marriage a competitive spirit generally does not work. The lives of husband and wife are to complement and complete each other. When this is not the case it becomes extremely difficult (if not impossible) to achieve the ONENESS that is to be a mark of the relationship. A competitive spirit often tends to drive couples apart where complementing one another brings balance to the relationship and tends to draw the two closer together. The same is true within the family of God.

Prior to Jesus’ death, He prayed regarding ONENESS among His followers.
“(20) I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, (21) THAT THEY MAY ALL BE ONE, just AS YOU, FATHER, ARE IN ME, AND I IN YOU, THAT THEY ALSO MAY BE IN US, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” ( John 17:20-21 ESV)

One of the challenges Paul tried to correct within the church at Corinth was how some viewed their particular gift as more important than others. This caused division and a lack of love and support within the church. The focus needed to be turned toward working together for the “common good.” ( 1 Corinthians 12:7) To get his point across, Paul used the analogy of a body. Though the body is made up of many parts it is still ONE BODY. ( 1 Corinthians 12:20) The same is true with us as Christians in the Body of Christ. We are individual members of it ( 1 Corinthians 12:27), but are to be a united body under the authority and direction of Christ Who is its Head. ( Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23)

Our individual lives are not complete without Christ. Since we are a part of His Body (the church) our lives are also not complete without each other. As we focus on being a part of the Body of Christ let us keep in mind the difference between competing and completing and the IMPACT either can have ON RELATIONSHIPS. Our manner of conduct should be marked with interaction that draws us together and builds one another up. May we commit to remaining under our Lord’s Headship so that this will be possible.

Have a great day CONSIDERING THE COMMON GOOD UNDER CHRIST!
Carl

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