"Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that He and John performed (although His disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning hHm and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee." -John 4:1 MSG
Is competition biblical? In a hurried world where results produce promotion and accolade, it is so easy to get our eyes off where our central focus should be: Jesus. Yes it is right to work diligently and wholeheartedly (Prov 12:27), yes it is good to excel and be faithful (Luke 19:17) - but is it okay to be competitive?
In the Bible there is no mention of the word “competition”, but we can gather from Jesus’ example that He competed with no one. The moment it was suggested that someone was keeping score, Jesus left the playing field entirely.
I remember being a kid in elementary school being put up to the challenge of who could complete the Hooked on Phonics book first. I was definitely up for it, (English was my strong suit), so I worked hard to get the book done before anybody else. It was down to me and the last guy, and I remember staying up late one night to finish it. I was excited to bring that phonics book in complete that day and win the contest. But even though I won, the truth is, it didn’t add anything to my value.
Having a challenge or contest is not wrong, and neither is sports. But when we begin to operate in striving, our worth becomes tied to our performance - and we can miss God’s love completely. Everything we receive comes from Him, not through our own human efforts. (2 Cor 3:5) We have to be careful to check our motives and listen to His heart for us and on behalf of others.
Is there anything you may need to adjust in your life to help you keep a right focus? We don’t need to be bound to performance - instead, we need a greater revelation of God’s love for us, being led by His Spirit, and trust in Him that He will provide for all of our needs.
"I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful and gracious to me according to Your promise." Ps. 119:58
I went to the Toyota dealership to get an oil change for my car. It was a rainy day, and I was late for my appointment. I was met by a very friendly-looking gentleman with with a warm smile who promptly greeted me as I drove up.
As I got out of the car, he attentively listened to my needs. There was no problem with my request, even if it wasn't a costly service. "Certainly," he said. "We can get that taken care of for you..."
The cool thing was he didn't do it with a plastered-on smile, he didn't do it because he had to, (you can tell when someone is ready to retire and live on a beach somewhere), and he didn't do it out of heartless deferral to a job description. No, it was easy to see, he did it because he found joy in helping people. No matter if it wasn't the greatest job, no matter if it wasn't the best day outside due to the rain, he was cheerful, helpful, and authentic. I was so refreshed by that!
God wants us to live out our jobs and callings this way. We should be like a cold drink of water in a desert, a feast in the midst of famine, and salt in the midst of decay.
How are you living out your call or current occupation? Could you say it's being lived out with heart? Ask the Lord to help you have a joy for what you do... even if the situation is less than perfect.
"...equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:21
Seth Goddin, the well-known marketing guru, wrote a book called, "The Dip." In it he describes the natural lull we experience after beginning a project, changing a habit, or beginning something new. He examines the difference between "the dip", and something that is not worth pursuing. His recommendation is if you're not the best at something, quit while you're ahead, and find something in which you can excel!
This is good advice. Think about it: No body looks for a product or service that's mediocre, no matter what they need. If you're looking for a dentist, you're more than likely going to choose the best one, as long as they're affordable. Either people are looking for the best price, or they're looking for best value. You don't want to be a company that's mediocre.
On a personal level, I tend to have the belief that God has given each of us at least one thing that we're good at. Everyone has a gift. Maybe it's not something we view as conventional. We are continually in pursuit of discovering those gifts and talents. Sometimes the cultivation of these talents takes a long time. But the sometimes the best gifts and talents are like bottles of wine - they may take a long time to develop. But when they are ready, they are nearly flawless.
Whatever you do, do it the best. You may not be perfect, but it means you put forth your best effort. Best does not mean perfect. Excellence does not mean flawless. It means "of the highest quality or standard, or of the most excellent type." (Encarta World English Dictionary.) And excellence is something God blesses.
"The king
talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael
and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. In every matter of
wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found
them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole
kingdom." -Daniel 1:20
I love the example of Daniel and his friends.
Daniel was such an unwavering model of faith, excellence, and purity,
in spite of the world in which he and his friends found themselves.
"But
Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and
he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this
way." -Daniel 1:8
Daniel and his friends were excellent in four areas:
- Physically: they were physically fit & disciplined
- Mentally: they were filled with wisdom and knowledge
- Relationally: they had one another for support, were respectful, and were highly favored among the king & his officials
-
Spiritually: -they were filled with faith, they did not bow down to the
world's system, and Daniel was excellent in his spiritual gifting (dream
interpretation)
"To these four young men God gave knowledge
and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel
could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." -Daniel
1:17
The Bible says Daniel and his friends were 10 TIMES better
than all the other magicians and enchanters in the land. To me, the
example of Daniel and his friend speaks volumes. They lived in Babylon,
in the world's system, which was contradictory to their faith. They
lived as foreigners under the king's service. But they remained pure,
disciplined, accountable to one another, and spiritually aligned with
God. I believe it was because of these four things that God showed up in
their midst. (Daniel 3:25)
Daniel challenges me in these four areas of my life, to be excellent
and sharp in each one. Does Daniel's example inspire or challenge you?
May we be the best examples of the God we serve, so that His light can
be revealed in us for all the world to see.
"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens,
and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and
ever." -Daniel 12:3
