Ribbons and Trophies

Many men and women have entered the world of competition, either in businesses, sports, or relationship in order to be recognized or considered better than someone else. Through their actions many have received certificates, plaques, trophies or colored ribbons to show for their efforts or achievements. The concept of competition began at an early age for many people and continue throughout most of their lives. Many parent and teacher encourage it, striving to achieve something in order to better oneself or to be better than someone else and win a prize, money or success in the process. Competitions is the name of the game and has become a part life and a tradition in work ethics. Many people compete to receive prizes or awards that will eventually fade, rusts, or collect dust on a shelf. (I had my ribbons too.)

There even seems to be competition in relationships, such as the battle of the sexes, or keeping up with the Jones. You also see it in the religion system and many other organizations. But one should ask themselves, Why? What is the purpose, or motive, or the long range benefit of it all?

This is understandable when one sees the world doing it, but it is disappointing when you see it within the Body of Christ. There's this discontent and striving for what others have—a spirit of competition to be better than others that drives and divides individuals. Mindsets that try to look better, feel better or appear more spiritual than others. 

However, competition is carnal, foolish and vain, and it is all out of order. There is no competition in the Kingdom of God. There is no jealousy or control or jockeying for position. If we want to be a part of the Kingdom of God, we must shed these worldly concepts. Because, we are one body and one in Christ. There is to be nothing but love and support that flows out of God's love, and the freedom to express that love. God love us just as much as He loves Jesus and He wants us to feel the same toward others. He also wants to share everything that He gave Jesus with us also. The Bible says, Jesus prayed that we become one with Him, just as the Father and He are one. (John 17:11) Wow, that's awesome! And it's the truth, there is no competition with God. His word also says, "Submit yourself one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:21) And be devoted to one another in brotherly love; giving preference to one another in honor (Romans 12:10).

If there is no competition with God. Then where did it come from? The spirit of competition was first seen in the nature of Cain, who got it from satan, who wanted to be like God. Cain was jealous because God favored Abel and his sacrifice rather than Cain and his offering. Cain wanted recognition, praise and approval, but wasn't willing to do it with the right heart to obtain it. Thus his pride and jealousy lead to resentment, and he became angry with God, but took it out on his brother, even though Abel had done nothing wrong. Cain despised God and hated his brother. Therefore, Cain decided to eliminate the competition by killing. Two wrongs never made a right. However, this time the punishment was more than just a warning and a rebuke, but banishment from the presence of God. Cain was a foolish man and yet there have been many who follow his bad examples, especially in the area of competition.

Did you notice there was never once a hint of repentance in Cain's words or actions? He was only thinking about himself when he said, "My punishment is more that I can bare... and others will try to kill me." (Genesis 4:13-14) Cain realized his future and that he had open the door to something evil, but still wasn't willing to repent. Competition's tends to focus on self, look at me and what I've accomplished. And ever since the sin of Adam, mankind has had a distorted way of thinking, and the only way that will ever be change is through repentance and having our mind renewed by the Holy Spirit.

In the movie, Chariots of Fire, we see a different example. Craig Little was running a race to please God and he was also willing to pay a price to do that. His focus was always on Christ, not winning or beating other people. It's the same kind of attitude and race the Apostle Paul talked about. Paul also ran the race set before him, and Christ was the only Prize he was looking at. However, Jesus was and still is the best example to follow.

The time will come when we will have to give an account for our actions. And I don't believe God will be impressed with any of our "trophies." What the Heavenly Father looking for, is to see Jesus in our face, words and actions. Jesus said to His disciples, "He that sees me has seen my Father." This is how we should be seen and it comes by spending time in God's presence, not from our gifts, striving or the praises of men. The time will come when we will all have to cast down our crowns (trophies) and say, "You alone are worthy, Lord." 

Note: It's never too late to start cleaning our house, our heart and our mind of the spirit of competition. This "trophies" tend to lead to idolatry. We should never seek the gods of gold, silver or bronze. However, if our focus is on honoring Christ, then sometimes we may even find ourselves exulted on national television. God loves showing off His kids and God also wants to get the Gospel message out any way He can, even on American Idol. But, the most important thing to remember is that God is love and to be recognized and known more in heavenly places.

There is nothing wrong with awards and reward for for a job well done, even God does that for His servants and sons. The Lord said to me, "The past is the past. The past was about awards (winning through trial, error and perseverance). The future is about reward, fellowshiping with that which has already been accomplished through Christ's perseverance, through Christ's Cross."