Our society thrives on competition. There seems to be no end to the means through which our competitive streak runs. It can be observed in academics as students and parents alike tout the many accomplishments through the wonder of social media. It can also be seen in athletics on the local, national, and international level; not simply through the actions and attitudes of participants, but also through the actions and attitudes of fans. And, while I refuse to meander too far down this particular avenue, is there anywhere that our competitive nature shows more clearly than the political sphere? Seemingly at every turn, we are provided with a plethora of opportunities to assert our superiority over our lesser opponents.
When competition is not kept in check, It devolves into combat.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t have a problem with a parent or student being proud of, and even publicizing, great achievements. I think it appropriate to celebrate hard work and accomplishment. I don’t have any issue with folks developing an affinity for certain athletic teams and the institutions they represent. Were it not for athletics, what would we talk about at the office every morning? And, I believe it is our responsibility as citizens to engage in political discourse to help guide society in the way it should go. A little healthy competition can be a very good thing, and is in many ways necessary. However, when competition is not kept in check it devolves into combat. We begin to cross the line between constructive competition that leads to the building up of individuals and communities, and combative competition that leads to the destruction and devaluing of that which is different. And, it becomes more and more difficult to distinguish friend from foe.
Over my years in pastoral ministry, I have seen this very clearly demonstrated in the attitudes of local churches. We divide and define ourselves based on our various denominational/theological perspectives, but also based on our individual assemblies. Our individual “family of faith” becomes of primary importance. Whether we’re willing to admit it publicly or not, we begin to see other churches as competitors fighting for the same dollars, people, and positions of influence in the community and world at large. As the senior pastor of a local church, I understand and respect the need to monitor indicators of institutional stability, but I find myself more and more at odds with the spirit of competition that is so often present between churches.
We need to stop looking for ways to compete and begin looking for more ways to collaborate.
We need to stop looking for ways to compete and begin looking for more ways to collaborate. We have enough opponents to contend with without competing with one another. It seems rather silly to compete with other churches for existing members and money when there are so many in our communities who are in need of hope, help, and healing. Would our time not be better spent combating the drug epidemic, generational poverty, and inequality and injustice of all kinds?
Contemporary and traditional, liturgical and extemporaneous, evangelical and mainline, there is room for all of these and more in our attempt to worship Christ and help the world understand and experience the good news of the gospel. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND EACH ONE OF US IS PART OF IT. Our gifts, service, and working might be different, but if our faith is in the work and person of Jesus Christ, we are empowered by the same SPIRIT, serving the same LORD, and worshiping the same GOD. Not only are we part of the same team, we are part of the same body. We aren’t called to be competitors, but collaborators for the cause of Christ.
WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND EACH ONE OF US IS PART OF IT.
