Competition

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Romans 15:5-6 NIV

I had a discussion with a man the other day and in that discussion, it became clear that he was kind of burned out on the “whole church thing.” And as I inquired further, in what initially seemed like an exaggeration or over-generalization, he started sharing his frustration with how none of the churches in his town would work together on anything because they competed with one another for members and attendees, and didn’t want to be a part of another churches “idea” or “event” because they didn’t want to help the competitor grow”

Wait... What?

You mean there are no ecumenical activities. No interdenominational ministries. Nothing where the churches get together to reach the lost, equip the Believer, or pray for the world or the world around them.

“No, the pastors don’t talk. Period. And the members, who work side by side each other during the work day, attend ballgames together, and otherwise hang out together, will not cross their own man made, self-imposed denominational line.”

Wow.

Now, those who know me know that I am a competitor. I like to win. I understand the good that can come out of competition and have done my best to teach my kids the importance of competing well and hard.

But, what?I understand business. I understand how banks compete for the same business in a community. I understand competition at that level. But even bankers put aside their competitive ways for the good of the community, even when its not an event that they were the “main sponsor.” Even if it wasn’t their idea. It’s about the betterment of the community as a whole. Its about giving back. It’s about making a difference.

So, churches/denominations can’t do that? Even for the good of the community? Even to reach the lost, pray for the city, make a difference in the lives of the hungry and the hurting?

I wonder what that city might begin to look like if the churches could learn to put competition aside and have “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I wonder?

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem