Recently a situation was shared about the competition between individuals. Competition can be defined as “a contest between two rivals” (Merriam-Webster dictionary). The problems lies in the one word “rivals”, especially if the rivals are friends, or teammates.
Rivals are those who are striving, or competing, for an outcome which only one can truly obtain or possess.
The situation brought to mind Moses, a leader of God’s people who was competent and humble.
Moses had leaders which assisted him, yet he never worried they would take his place. He remained confident in His relationship with God.
One day, Joshua came to Moses concerned because two of the leaders were prophesying to the people. He was worried Moses would lose favor with the people. He tells Moses to “forbid them”.
Moses responds:
“But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake?
Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets,
that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!”
(Numbers 11:29, NASB)
Moses was not threatened by the giftedness of these elders. Instead we read of his desire for the Lord to put His Spirit upon all the leaders.
Moses was delighted in the way God was working through the people.
In the twelfth chapter of Romans, Paul tells there are many members of God’s kingdom, and each has different gifts and functions.
Paul in another of his writings states:
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others.”
(Philippians 2:3-4, NASB)
Paul recognizes there is nothing to be gained or achieved through rivalry, which will only bring about division.
Paul encourages the early believers, and us today, to work in unity. We need to resolve the pride and selfishness in our own hearts. We are to put others above ourselves, looking for what will benefit others.
Recognize the gifts God has placed inside you,
while also recognizing the giftedness of those around us.
We all have a place and a part in the work of God.
Some food for thought:
“When was honey ever made with one bee in a hive?” (Thomas Hood, English writer)
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” (Harry Truman, 33rd President of the U.S.)
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.” (Henry Ford, business magnate)
“Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.”
(Proverbs 27:17, NASB)
Reflection:
How do you guard against rivalry and the feelings it can invoke? Do you
see yourself as having unique gifts suited for God’s purposes?
Refusing a spirit of jealousy and serving joyfully is key to key to finding contentment in our spirits and souls, Joanne, and frees us to be available to walk in an iron sharpens iron way.
ReplyDelete"Refusing a spirit of jealousy" - that was such a powerful way to word it, Lisa. We do have a choice and can intentionally refuse to entertain this emotion.
DeleteI so enjoyed your quotes at the end, Joanne. I wonder if Moses answer to Joshua was prophetic because that's what Jesus did for us, allowing the Holy Spirit to be upon all of us! It is frustrating when we think we all need to get the biggest group of carrots - when, really, God works with us to bring in the carrots He has called us to bring in. Some bring in barn loads, some bushels, some a handful. I have learned to be content with what He has given me to bring in. . . not to think I must achieve the barn load, only what He has set for me to do. That takes all the rivalry out of it and puts God right where He needs to be in it.
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