its not a competition
at our student gatherings we often use games and activities to get the students to interact, know each other, and have some fun. sometimes they are competitive games, sometimes they are just for fun. i laugh at the times that i have to remind them that it is just a game. it seems their default setting is that every activity is a competition – that they have to be faster, better than the next person or group.
i’ve noticed that sometimes today’s christians view their relationship with the world in the same way. its as though the ultimate goal is to compete and outdo those who don’t follow Christ. its as if proving Christians can be better entertainers, businessmen, politicians, artists, etc. that we will somehow prove that it is worth it to follow Christ.
maybe i’m missing something, but following Christ has never been about popularity, success, making millions, or achieving places of power. Jesus had multiple opportunities to become politically powerful, socially popular, and financially successful. He ran from those moments. He diffused the crowds when they sought to put Him in those places.
Because that is not what the kingdom is about!
the 80′s and 90′s introduced this insidious and deceptive thought into christianity. today we are paying the price for it. today a world sits back with disinterest inchristianity’s message.
the day we set aside our competition for political seats,Hollywood stages, and corporate office; andinstead be filled with compassion, humility, concern, and intentional care; willbe the day that the kingdom expands.
the day we stop trying to beat the world and instead love, will be the day that change comes – and it will cometo us first.
Tags: 80's and 90's, competition, Kingdom of God
