Abandon: Competition and Jealousy

Competition can be healthy and unhealthy. We see it between people, in sports, and business. 

The book of Genesis offers an example of unhealthy competition between two brothers named Cain and Abel. Cain saw that God received his brother's offering while rejecting his. Genesis 4:3-5 says, “In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast." (NIV) Cain’s competitive anger destroyed his relationship with his brother which ultimately lead to him killing Abel.

How do we abandon unhealthy competition? We embrace healthy competition which comes when we see the true purpose of it. Our goal should be to encourage and push ourselves and others to be better instead of trying to win at all costs. As we can see with Cain and Abel, unhealthy competition often takes us places that we don’t want to go. We should encourage others to know, love, and be like Jesus every chance we get.

Jealousy takes root in our hearts for at least a couple of reasons. First, it is an extension of our desire to compete with others in an unhealthy way. (If I can’t have it, then they can’t either) Second, jealousy happens when we base our personal value on whether or not we win or lose.

We see that Cain killed Abel because, in Cain’s mind, Abel's sacrifice was better than his. Cain based his personal value on whether or not he could please God "more" than his brother. Unfortunately, Cain focused on being better than his brother instead of giving his personal best to God in faith.

How can we abandon jealousy? First, and most importantly, we base our value on God's love for us instead of whether or not we have the best clothes, vehicle, etc. Second, we can seek the interests of others first above our own. Paul says in Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (NIV) This Christ-like attitude within us kills jealousy at its root.

Prayer: 
Our Father, show us our unique value. Help us to genuinely desire to pursue the needs of others. Help us to stay away from the destructive powers of jealousy. Please Help us to compete with honor. May the fruits of Your Spirit be evident in our lives as we seek to honor You in all that we do. May competition be something positive that builds up everyone involved May we honor You and others by serving others in Your name.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.