CHANNELING OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is
to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given
me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
(Acts 20:24)

MEDITATION:
We live in a world of competitiveness where most people compete almost daily.
It could be in the field of athletics or in the work force,
but it can also me in the social network, where people
are often judged by how much they own, what special
talents they have, how many friends they have, etc.

The peer pressure we feel can motivate us to keep striving to improve.
However, it can become an obsession that is detrimental to our well-being.
We can create a high level of stress for ourselves, keep pushing
when we need rest, constantly assess our performance and allow
it to affect us emotionally whenever we fail to measure up to our
expectations, or what we assume is the expectations of others.

We can develop health issues as a result of our constant desire
to excel and surpass those we are competing with.
And the downside is, even when we get ahead of a few people,
we discover there are others still ahead of us.

Paul knew of this tendency to compete so he decided to channel it into
an area that would benefit himself and others, now and for eternity.
When we surpass others, very seldom will they complement or applaud
us for our efforts, because they are now behind and have to try harder.

As jealousy in others arises, they can become less friendly and more selfish.
Paul made the decision to concentrate his energies in an area where he knew
his efforts would be appreciated, and he could improve his self-esteem.
In addition, Paul knew that by choosing to follow the path created for him
by God, he could maximize the use of his abilities and spiritual gifts.

Others may not applaud his efforts,
but pleasing God was what mattered most to Paul.
Others may find ways to ‘put us down’ when we are successful in our
efforts, but God loves us and enjoys watching us utilize what He has
given us to be used in serving and pleasing Him.
We could never find a better encourager than the Lord!

ACTION:
Most of us have seen Ironman competitions which includes 2.4 miles
of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running.
Once there was a young lady leading the pack, but suddenly
within just a few feet of the finish line, she fell.
Her legs were like noodles and she tried to get up and walk, but fell again.
It was heartbreaking to watch her end the race in agony.
She literally clawed her way to the finish line and sadly did not finish first.

If these men and women can put themselves through this grueling race
for a corruptible crown, then certainly we can become strong, spiritual
athletes to finish the race for which God has called us, in order to receive
an incorruptible crown that He has prepared for those who finish the race.

So how and when do we begin?
The “when” is easy to determine – we begin today.
The “how” requires a direct communication with the Lord as we ask Him
to show us the path He has chosen for us, and pray that He will help us to
prepare our minds and attitudes for “running the race”.

Begin each day by praying that you will be good and righteous that day.
Then, look for opportunities to lift the spirits of someone and to pray for others.
We have to change our focus from comparing ourselves to others,
to concentrating on how our results measure up to what God wants of us.
We need to also build up our confidence by training our minds to realize,
remember and appreciate that He will help us whenever the going gets tough.

How are you doing in the ‘important’ race?
Have you adopted the attitude of one of the great missionary patriarchs?
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold
of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward
what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for squandering the talents,
gifts, and abilities You have given me. Help me to change
my focus from how I am doing in comparison with other
people, to how I am succeeding in completing the race You
have asked me to run. I know that others might discourage
me when I am in competition with them, but I am certain
that You will always encourage me when my efforts are to
please You. Thank You for calling me to run for You and
for assuring me that You will help me in my efforts!”

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