A “competitive spirit” fueled by jealousy is such a destructive thing within the Kingdom of God!
How much better to express appreciation and affirmation for the calling and gifts that other fellow Christians exhibit! After all, we are members of the same “family” (the “Family of God” and “brothers” and “sisters”) – we’re on the same “team” – and we’re essential parts of the same “Body” (the “body of Christ”).
In my Bible reading today I was reminded of two passages that make the point very well…
Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians put it this way… “For the body does not consist of one member but of many…God has so composed the body giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored all rejoice together. No you are the body of Christ and individually member of it!” (From 1 Corinthians 12 14-27 ESV)
The other passage that impressed me was the testimony of Apostle Paul and his acknowledgement and appreciation for the complimentary ministry of Apostle Peter…
“I have been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised (i.e. “Gentiles”), just as Peter has been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (i.e. Jews). For He who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles.” (From Galatians 2:7-8 ESV)
Oh, may we see gifts and callings in the “body of Christ” – the Church – as complementary! May we never permit a “competitive spirit” to drive us apart, cause division, discord, and “spiritual dysfunction!” A healthy, fully functioning, and fruitful “Body” is what will please our Savior!
Coffee With The Lord 