Competition with Others!
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3).
I must be aware of one of Satan’s subtlest traps-competing with others. Jesus knew nothing of competition; He only knew service. Too often I am like the disciples, striving to see who should be the greatest (Luke 22:24) and forgetting that the greatest of all is he who washes the feet of others.
Competition is really warfare, and the only competitor I have is myself. Competition is Pandora’s box that releases negative feelings toward others. This must be discouraged. But I must encourage negative feelings toward my own pride, laziness, self-will, love of praise, and unwillingness to put myself out for others. I must avoid the trap of comparison, for God’s plan for me is as individual and distinctive as the formulation of a snowflake. A true disciple compares himself with himself and he is able to say, “The Lord has enabled me to grow in that particular discipline.”
Competition is one of Satan’s tactics. The moment God said to him, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him.” (Job 1:8). Satan was determined to bring down Job. Satan could not stand God’s praise of Job; he wanted it for himself. Whenever I am tempted to pattern my life or behavior after someone else, I must hear Jesus say: “What is that to you? You follow me.” (John 21:22).
Competition ceases the moment I follow Paul’s advice; “Give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10). This kind of striving is for the lowest, not the highest place. Imagine that, striving for the humblest spot! Yet wasn’t this the path chosen by Jesus, who “humbled himself”. Even unto death of the cross? (Philippians 2:5-8). Lord, give me excellent marks in following you!
Remember the way you BELIEVE is the way you will SPEAK. And the way you speak is the way you will LIVE.