Competition in the Church
We live in a very competitive society. Businesses compete for customers. Politicians compete for voters. Even Churches compete for members. Competition might be good for business, but it is lousy for salvation. Competition has no place in the Church.
Brethren, as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:4-5,15-21
The problem with competition is that it creates winners and losers. Let me be clear. I’m not in favor of participation trophies for little league. In sports only one side can win. Teaching young people that everyone wins, is not only dishonest, it fails to prepare them for life in a competitive world. Today’s blog is not about business and politics. Today’s blog is about the Church.
Today’s reading from Saint Paul is a reminder of our unity in the Church. This unity comes from our baptism as a gift from God. It isn’t a result of our actions, but it can be destroyed by our actions. When we forget that we are united to each other, we also forget that when one loses, everyone loses.
I’ve witnessed it for years in my ministry. Instead of rejoicing with those who rejoice, we get jealous. Instead of weeping with those who weep, we laugh. Instead of harmony, we prefer dissonance. Dissonance belongs on the orchestra stage, not in the Church. Don’t look at your neighbors in the pew as your competition. If they succeed, you succeed.
What is success? As a Christian success isn’t about money and status in the world. Success is in our willingness to fight against temptation. Success is waking up every morning committed to defeating sin. Success is going to bed each night acknowledging our sins and asking forgiveness for them. When one member of the Church succeeds, we all rejoice!
Failure is giving up the fight against sin. Failure is thinking we have no chance of salvation. Failure is pretending our wealth and status make a difference in the kingdom of God. When one member of the Church fails, we all weep!
In a world that is working against the Church, we can’t afford to work against each other. Instead of laughing at the failures of others, lift them up and help them restart. Instead of weeping at someone’s success, cheer them on to greater achievements.
If we are competing against anyone, it is the devil and his demons. Don’t waste competition against the ‘home team’ when the real opposition never sleeps. Fight against evil, not the Church.
