Competition in Ministry and in the Church
Introduction
I’m a naturally competitive person. It may be the result of growing up in a house with 2 brothers or my love for baseball in my younger years, I’m not sure, but when it comes to things I care about, I’m never not competitive.
Healthy Competition
Competition isn’t always a bad thing. There is such a thing as healthy competition that pushes competitors to achieve more than they otherwise would. Iron sharpens iron and Christians trying to “outdo one another in showing honor” is, in a way, a form of competition (Rom 12:10).
Sinful Competition
Unfortunately, I find myself tempted by another type of competition, an unhealthy competition which constantly compares my work to the work of other Christians who do similar work to me. I’m somewhat ashamed to admit it, but I find myself checking up on other people’s ministries just to make sure I’m staying ahead. I compare views, website visits, content quality, and consistency to assess my position in the broader landscape of Christian content.
This type of comparison is made easier than ever by social media. Social media is a great place to share Jesus-glorifying content, but it’s also a place that makes it easier than ever to start resenting those who do the same to larger audiences.
This is a corruption of the heart.
Things to Consider:
If you are upset that Jesus is proclaimed more widely through another person than through yourself, you love yourself more than you love the spread of the gospel.
If you are upset that Jesus is proclaimed more widely through another person than through yourself, you are implying God has mismanaged His servants.
If you are upset that Jesus is proclaimed more widely through another person than through yourself, you’re naïve in believing there is not enough work for you AND the other person to do in the Kingdom of God.
If you are upset that Jesus is proclaimed more widely through another person than through yourself, you’re more interested in receiving personal glory than in directing it to God.
Conclusion
How subtle is Satan to destroy people who set out to minister to the people of God with their own zeal. Don’t let him twist your soul to the point where you can’t recognize preaching from pride.
God has prepared a place for all of us, and He will work through us as He sees fit. Give your ambition to God and let Him chart your course. Trust His timing and teach faithfully to the audience He gives you, whether 10 or 10,000.
