Today I was thinking about competitiveness among those of us who serve in ministry. I do feel like there is some good news on this front. It seems that the walls of competition and comparison are beginning to slowly come down. I hear more and more stories about ministries and churches linking arms to work together, pray together, and be together.
But there is no doubt that a spirit of competition is still a demon that many of us wrestle with in ministry. It can be subtle and devious… but it is real. And, whether the spirit of competition is with another church or another staff member within the same church, it is always destructive. It hurts me and those around me.
Here is what I know to be true about competitiveness in my own life. It usually has to do with Outward Validation vs. Inward Validation. If I am honest, it usually has to do with me and my need to feel significant and successful. My own insecurity drives me to posture and protect. It drives me to compare and compete.
I want other people to know how hard I work. I want others to notice what I have done. I want to be recognized and appreciated.
Paul doesn’t pull any punches when he talks about how foolish it is to compare ourselves to others.
Oh, don't worry; I wouldn't dare say that I am as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, and measuring themselves by themselves. What foolishness!
2 Corinthians 10:12
I am trying to learn to respond to competitiveness in 2 ways…
1. Stare it in the face and call it what it is. Confess it. It is ugly and does not serve the kingdom of God. It makes us look like the world and creates division within the body of Christ.
2. Bless others. Use the temptation to compare and compete as an opportunity to bless. Pray for other ministries and churches. Speak well of them in public and private. Find a way to do something that affirms and celebrate them.
Posted on
Thursday, March 12, 2009
by Lance Witt
filed under