What do you think would happen if your hand said I want to compete with the legs? Or, your ears saying we want to see like the eyes? Of course you know any attempt to do that will be tantamount to purpose of creation. But alas! We grew and found ourselves in a world that doesn’t help us think and reason in that way. All we grow hearing is, do better than that person. Or, be like that person. Overtake or outrun that person to an extent that even in sharing things we are encouraged to be the first in order to have more or larger share than others. The outcome? Self-centred and ego-centric human beings thinking about nothing or someone else than themselves.
But the truth? The truth is that we were never born or created to compete with anyone. We were created to complement each and one another (Genesis 2:18). We were born to be ourselves. In an effort of being yourself you’ll discover your uniqueness. In discovering your uniqueness you’ll discover yourself complementing others instead of competing with them.
John the Baptist understood that with the coming of Jesus Christ, his ministry/work has come to an end hence, no need to be jealous, envious or grow bitter because attention was turning to Jesus. It will interest you to know that John the Baptist’s public ministry lasted for the period of six months only. Thirty years of preparation for six months ministry! Jesus himself knew when to lie low to allow the disciples/apostles to takeover and continue with the work of the Kingdom. Elijah, Apostle Paul and other great men of God all understood this principle.
At a certain time, Jesus had to correct his disciples because of the notion they were having about the Kingdom’s work. They thought it was something to lobby or compete for (Luke 9:46-48). At a much later time, the apostles understood how to work together respecting each other’s calling and office. They know that they don’t need to do everything by themselves which led to the appointing of the seven to administer daily operations.
You were never born to compare or compete yourself with others. Any form of comparison or competition is the outflow of the fall of man. Remember Miriam and Korah in Numbers 16:3? No self-imposed purpose that is not God’s can stand.
If you are born to be a Lawyer, don’t compete with a Doctor; if you are born to be an Engineer, don’t compete with a Teacher. Are you an Entrepreneur? Don’t compete with a Politician. We all need each and one another to see life through. If you are a Doctor, you’ll definitely need a Teacher to train your child who will likely become another Doctor or Teacher. Are you a Lawyer? You need that Business Man or woman to do your purchases.
Until we come to the realisation that life is all about complementing one another and not competing, we’ll still have a long way in effectively harnessing our potentials and fulfilling purpose.
Seek to add value to others and not compete with them!
Shalom!
NCCF Ilesa East Zonal Bible Study Unit.
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