No one is saying that competition is wrong! What I am suggesting, though, is that in an attempt to get that which others have attained/acquired, we more often than not, ignore some basic facts of life. Like which ones?

-We forget to remind ourselves that we will by no means be like so and so in every aspect
-We’ll never be the same
-Each one of us is good at something that usually is so different from others
-We usually lack information on how so and so arrived at where he/she is.
-Unfortunately, some of us use wrong methods in trying to catch up with others

But wait a minute, is there such a thing as competition? Absolutely! Take a look at the
following:

-Every time I am driving at a posted speed, I have witnessed some drivers who seem to be
out there trying to compete with everyone else.
-There are individuals/families that are struggling so hard to be like other families
-There are friends who are ever in stiff competition with their friends
-There are spouses who are ever in competition with each other; competition on who drives
what car, who makes how much, who gives orders/commands, who washes dishes, who does
laundry, who makes the bed, who goes to buy grocery and the list goes on.
-Is it safe at the houses that are called by the name of God? What do you think? There
too there is always competition on who should occupy what position even though the truth
of the matter is that there is no pay
-How about places of work? There too there is always competition and should I add inner
wrangles as to who should occupy what position.

I can go on and on, but allow me to sum up by pointing out the end result of any ill
motivated competition.

-It almost always ends up in creating jealousy,enmity/ hatred/animosity
-Occasionally, it ends up in killing
-It has been the cause of divorce in some circles

So then what’s the solution? This is my take on it:

-To be like the apostle Paul,”Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11
-To allow the mind of Christ to be in us-Philippians 2:15
-To be like John, the baptist, who was will willing to decrease for Jesus to
increase-John 3:30
-To be like the prophet Daniel, who gave all the credit to His God-Daniel 2:30

Its OK to “let the sky be the limit!” As a matter of fact, the good Lord wants His
children to be the head and not the tail! The key here, though, is to let the good Lord
be the focus of all that we think, plan, and do! “How best will this glorify my Lord?, “
ought to be the constant challenge to anyone who loves He who gave it all for our sake!
Hallelujah!

Indeed, I am willing to take that challenge as I do all in my power to get rid of this
dreadful disease! How about you?

Just a thought!

Pr Birai

– – –
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:25:58 -0700 [03/15/2009 06:25:58 PM CDT]
From: Absalom Birai
Subject: Re: A disease called competition!