My Weekly Devotional - The Healthy Edge of Competition
We say things like, It's a rats race out there, and the rats are winning." "nice guys finish last," "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing!"
Such sentiments characterize our culture, driving workaholic lifestyles that destroy health, fracture family life, and eliminate the spiritual discipline required to have a growing relationship with God. So what should we do? Avoid all competition? Opt out of the rat race? Retire and watch the world go by? No, those are not options for a follower of Christ. So:
1. Beware of competitiveness that leads to jealousy. Cain's competitiveness toward his brother Abel led him to murder (See Ge 4: 1-8). He tried to put his brother down in order to lift himself up. King Saul tried to kill David when the crowd sang, "Saul has slain thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1Sa 18:6-11 NKJV).
Those words caused jealousy to grow like a cancer in him.
2. Understand that by seeking to excel in your calling, you exalt Christ. Paul writes: "You've...seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard...for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally" (1Co 9:24-25 TM). No second-rate effort, no settling for mediocre outcomes. "I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me. I'm staying alert and in top condition" (1Co 9:26 TM).
Getting ahead of others isn't what it's about; it's about maximizing all you for God's glory! "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col 3:23 NIV)
Such sentiments characterize our culture, driving workaholic lifestyles that destroy health, fracture family life, and eliminate the spiritual discipline required to have a growing relationship with God. So what should we do? Avoid all competition? Opt out of the rat race? Retire and watch the world go by? No, those are not options for a follower of Christ. So:
1. Beware of competitiveness that leads to jealousy. Cain's competitiveness toward his brother Abel led him to murder (See Ge 4: 1-8). He tried to put his brother down in order to lift himself up. King Saul tried to kill David when the crowd sang, "Saul has slain thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1Sa 18:6-11 NKJV).
Those words caused jealousy to grow like a cancer in him.
2. Understand that by seeking to excel in your calling, you exalt Christ. Paul writes: "You've...seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard...for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally" (1Co 9:24-25 TM). No second-rate effort, no settling for mediocre outcomes. "I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me. I'm staying alert and in top condition" (1Co 9:26 TM).
Getting ahead of others isn't what it's about; it's about maximizing all you for God's glory! "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col 3:23 NIV)
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Regards and Blessings to you,
Jack McLaughlin
P.S.
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Jack McLaughlin
P.S.
A wealth of information is available here to assist you in your attraction marketing,
online home based business and business opportunity efforts. Visit us today!
http://www.your-daily-income.com
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Comments
Wonderfully inspiring post, Jack. Glad I read it first thing this a.m. and I will share. As Terri said, "we are working for God and not for men." He is our source. Our real estate signature includes this scripture, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Cor 10:31
Working for God and not for men. God will supply all your needs when you put him first in your life and do his will. Great post Jack and I am happy to share this everywhere for more to read.