We are about to enter another major award season — Oscars, Grammies, Razzies, SAG awards and Golden Globes. Many of the “reality shows” involve competition to determine the best singer, best dancer, survivor, best model, best chef, etc.
Our culture is about competition — It has shifted to a global economy, a national media, 24-hour news programs, international markets, mega-churches and a world wide web. We are no longer in competition with just the kid down the street; we are now in competition with the best person in the world.
I was thinking recently about how many choices we have in so many areas. As a kid, I basically chose between Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Cheerios for breakfast. Years ago, my daughters asked me, “Dad, what was on TV Land and Nickelodeon when you were a kid?” I replied, “We had it rough when I was a kid. We only had three channels and we had to walk to the TV to change channels.”
We now compare ourselves regarding everything. We feel insecure or prideful regarding how we match up. Many of us are in debt so we can have the same stuff as everyone. We are crazed about body image and matching up physically with others. Our movies are usually judged by opening weekend box office rather than cultural significance or how good they are. Our culture teaches us to be discontent with who we are and what we have, so that we will buy what they are selling.
Is all comparison and competition bad? Of course not. It can show us where we need to grow, build good team work, and help us to set and meet appropriate goals that we are called us to fulfill (1 Cor 9:24-27; Heb 12:1-2; Phil 3:12-14). But it can also make us self-centered, short-cited, divisive, insecure and arrogant.
In the Scriptures, one of the major issues that Paul deals with in the church in Corinth is divisiveness and comparison. They were divided about many things: their leaders, moral rules, lawsuits, religious freedom, communion, spiritual gifts, the role of women in the church, and styles of worship, to name a few.
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12)
In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul stresses the need for both unity and diversity by comparing the church to a human body. In every church or organization there will be many different kinds of people with different gifts, callings, abilities, passions and strengths. We must encourage unity and not uniformity, diversity and not chaos, acceptance and not exclusion.
•In verses 15 to 16, one type of person looks at others and says, “Because I am not like you, I do not belong.”
•In verses 21, another type of person looks at others and says, “Because you are not like me, I don”t need you.”
Neither of these are correct responses. We need each other and should honor the diversity in one another. Verse 25 of the same chapter says that there should be no division in the body and that we should have equal concern for each other.
“Unity plus diversity equals University and that is a place where we learn.”
Earlier in the chapter (verses 22 through 24), Paul says that the seemingly weaker parts of the body are indispensable and they should be treated with special honor. As I think of the human body, the indispensable parts are the ones we usually think of less, like the internal organs. We tend to think of the outward parts of the body more and give them special honor. Who are the internal parts of your church or group — people who serve behind the scenes? Let”s honor and encourage them, rather than always honoring those who get much of the outward attention.
Be who you are. Honor one another for who they are. You are unique. Don”t find your identity in comparison to others.
Many years ago, there was a cartoon called Tooter Turtle. There have been some recent references to it. In the movie, The Matrix, Neo cries out, “Help me, Mr. Wizard.” That is a quote from Tooter Turtle. Mr. Wizard would send Tooter back in time to learn a lesson. Tooter would get in trouble and call out for help. Mr. Wizard would say, “Drizzle, drazzle, druzzle, drome; time for this one to come home.” Mr. Wizard would then say, “Be what you is and not what you is not! Folks that do this are the happiest lot.”
Rick Barnes serves as pastor for Lake County Bible Fellowship
