Saturday, April 30, 2011

Keeping up with the Joneses!!!

Back when I was on Facebook, I posted a status that was something like this....

"Do you ever feel like you're in a competition and you don't even remember signing up for the race?" 
  
I had several of my friends "like" that comment, letting me know that they must be feeling the same way....or they at least understood where I was coming from!!!  Since that time, the word "competition"....or "competitive"....has came up in conversation so I....as usual....knew to stand up and take notice that this is something that I need to pay attention to.
  
Here are a couple of meanings of the words....
"a contest between rivals" 
"a test of skill, or ability"
"inclined or desiring to compete"

The one word that stood out to me in these definitions was the word "rival"....and here are a couple of definitions of that word....
"one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess"
"one striving for competitive advantage"

Did you see what I did in the definitions?
With being competitive comes rivalry....and with rivalry comes competition.

I personally do not feel that as Christians we should be at a rivalry with one another.  
And....what are we competing for?  
Since Jesus died for ALL....then, what are we in competition over?  
It can't be for His love and grace and mercy....because that's extended to each and every person who will accept it.
Is it popularity?
Is it who can have the most friends?
Is it our aim to try to "one up" each other?

This is something that has been weighing heavy on my heart for quite some time.

So....dear readers....please read James Chapter 4.
Then....please come back here and leave a comment as to how you feel about "competition"....and "rivalry"!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

5 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing from God's Word - it's true, we do tend to get competitive. I had to back off of blogging for a while, then God whispered that I could be an encouragement blogger, leaving love everywhere I visited, and follow (most) blogs. It's such a joy to do that. Having said that :) I "followed" your blog and would love a follow back - thanks!

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  2. The way I look at it, no matter how many people I try to compete with, there will always be someone else with bigger, better, more. So I don't bother anymore. I just try to do my personal best and most days I'm happy enough with that. Anyway, have an awesome weekend! And when you get a chance come on by and check out my post on our 'royal play date'.
    Blessings,
    Char
    http://1epicmom.com/

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  3. I'm your new follower from a blog hop :-)
    Will be glad to see you at
    http://www.luckyangelandgiveaways.blogspot.com
    Thank you!

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  4. Excellent post this morning Ms Deb....excellent my dear friend excellent! The Lord put it upon my heart about 2 weeks ago to do a study on our Brother James...what an awesome man he was ..he was right on the money in my opinion. Chapter 1:22 says to be a doer of his word not a hearer only ...and chapter four is about frienship and humility....in that per my post today as the Lord led .... I cannot compete against you in any fashion or you me...for God has called us to be separate portions of him and all portion sof HIM is vital ....humility in friendship is the key ingredient to an exaltation friendship ...one that God has planned and purposed! Loved your post today Ms Deb...be blssed...big hugs ....

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  5. This is the encouragement the Lord wanted to speak to me today. He uses you in so many ways - thank you for making yourself available to Him to bless us. This is the key verse for me - "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." I know I should acknowledge Him in all my ways so He can direct my path... I get in the way so much. I am praying - AGAIN - that the Holy Spirit will remind me in a real way this week. Blessings my sweet blog friend. Cheers! Sherry..xoxo

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Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24