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Competitive Christianity
Jon BurgessJust like the Pharisees who corrected Jesus for healing on the Sabbath the disciples had missed the point of why Jesus had come. This "rogue disciple" who was casting out demons was not in competition with Jesus but rather in collaboration with Him. Jesus had come to set people free whether it was on the Sabbath or any other day of the week. Jesus had come to deliver people from demonic oppression so anyone doing that as well was welcomed as a help rather than a hindrance. The Apostle Paul put it this way in his letter to the church in Phillipi: 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And becou
The important thing is that people are finding Jesus. Whether they find him at New Hope, Hope Chapel, Foursquare or Assembly of God or the Baptist Church down the street it doesn't matter as long as the Gospel is being preached. This competitive spirit that is often found among Christians, sadly often among pastors comes from a misplaced focus. The question is not, "Who Gets The Credit"? The question is, "Who is Getting Christ?" It's been said that unbelievable things can be accomplished when it doesn't matter who gets the credit. What would the Church look like if we rejoiced with every victory regardless of the specific location it happened at? If even one more person comes to know Christ, is set free from demons, is healed from disease, and is saved from an eternity in Hell then we should be shouting loud in victorious joy regardless of the ministry it happened under. It's insecurity and inferiority that keeps us competing with against each other instead of collaborating with each other.
Lord, forgive me for missing the point sometimes. It's not about me. It's not about New Hope. It's about You bringing the lost ones home. What a privilege that You have chosen to use New Hope to be one of the vessels for harvest. Let us never boast in this or see that somehow it has happened in a vacuum. "It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow." 1 Corinthians 3:7 Through our humility bring unity to the church again so we can bring You the glory for every person who comes to know You!
