ODJ: competition
June 5, 2011
I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches (v.8).
READ: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
John Isner and Nicolas Mahut made tennis history in 2010 when neither man could defeat the other. Their first-round match at Wimbledon was suspended because of darkness—twice. Finally, on the third day, after playing more than 11 hours, Isner hit two brilliant shots to break Mahut’s serve and win the longest tennis match ever played. The two players embraced at the net, posed for pictures by the overheated scoreboard, and praised each other for pushing their game to the limit. Their competition had created something remarkable that neither could have accomplished on his own.
Competition can be a form of cooperation. As Isner and Mahut combined to construct a compelling match, so Apple challenges Microsoft to improve software, and General Motors learns from Honda how to build more reliable cars. We raise our game when tested by a competitor, and together we make progress in whatever we’re striving to win. Our athletes, computers, and cars are better than before, thanks to the sharpening edge of competition.
Competition even has a role in the church. There’s a bad form of competition, such as Jesus’ disciples arguing “about which of them was the greatest” (Mark 9:34). This competition is lethal because it assumes that our contest is a zero-sum game where my victory means your defeat.
But there’s also a good form of competition, such as when Paul encouraged the Corinthians to sacrifice like the Macedonians, who gave far more than they could afford. Likewise, Paul challenged the Romans to proēgoumenoi, or “outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10 ESV). How’s that for friendly competition!
Do you know people whose purity, prayer life, Bible study, or generosity puts you to shame? Use them as inspiration to elevate your game. When we compete in a godly way, God wins. —Mike Wittmer
Is the point of competition to win, or is it something higher? How can you tell when you’ve slipped into unhealthy forms of competition?
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