Competition and Comparison

The share of the one who goes down into the battle shall be the same as the share of the one who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike. -1 Samuel 30:24 (NRSV)

OCCASIONALLY I compare my accomplishments to those of others and lament that I seem to have done little in comparison. I think we often make such comparisons. Children do it in sports or school competitions; adults do it in the workplace or at class and family reunions. Who is the fastest, strongest, or smartest? Who has accumulated the most wealth, prestige, or glamour? Who is the winner? Such comparisons can result in hurt feelings, envy, or rivalry.

But God does not measure success using human standards. In the story from 1 Samuel 30, David rewarded his soldiers equally for their service, no matter their individual contribution to the victory. In the same way, God asks only that we serve to the best of our ability with the talents given us. To some, God gives great works to perform; to others, work that may seem less important. It is not for us to compare our achievements with others' or to judge an other's calling against our own. Our role is to faithfully do our best at the work God has given us, wherever we serve. When we give our best to God, we are winners.

There is no room for competition in the Kingdom of God. The truth of Jesus is that we are all equal and compared to Him, "unworthy." So, we strive to have the attitude of Jesus and serve, even if it means taking on a cross of humiliation. In the striving we are rewarded beyond our greatest imaginations desire.

You know I love ya, Don