We’re in the height of sports competition time around the world, aren’t we?
In the United States we are getting all ramped up towards the Super Bowl. And then in the basketball world, it’s March Madness. Then somewhere along the way, it’s The Master’s golf tournament, hockey Stanley Cup, the soccer World Cup and don’t forget the return of Major League Baseball.
But unfortunately, the greatest competitive and comparison games are performed every Sunday around the globe in the body of Christ! It’s who’s got the hottest new worship team, the greatest new light show or the largest social media following. The largest streaming of their sermon on YouTube, and now featured on Rumble.
Perhaps we need to declare a “No Competition Zone?” We really are for one another, right? At least, rest of the week we are.
Gifts Are Given for Something Good
There is only one Holy Spirit. He works in a multiplicity of ways. There are many different spiritual gifts, but there’s only one gift giver. The Holy Spirit of God, the prophetic anointing, manifest itself in diverse ways. But they all derive from the same Spirit as Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
“Now, there are a variety of gifts, but the same spirit, there are a variety of ministries and the same Lord. There’s a variety of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons, but to each one is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:4-6, NASV)
Wow, these gifts are given to each person for the common good. There really is a “No Competition Zone.”
Do We Believe We Are Better Together?
I have a friend of mine who does a brilliant lifestyle in their journey, and this leader declares a ‘love war.’ And I just am so grateful for their life’s example. When an offense knocks at the door, this leader declares a love war. I know first-hand as I have walked with this frontline leader thru many a mountain top and valleys in their life. And you know, we need to do the same. There’s a no competition zone variety because we’re in it together. Aren’t we?
We get too offended over issues of style. We get too offended over minutia, over minor things. We get into comparison and contrast, and it ultimately ends up into something called jealousy.
Historically and presently, it goes something like this:
- Men versus Women
- Clergy versus Laity
- Liturgical versus Evangelical
- Sacramental versus Preaching
- House Church versus Mega Church
- Team Ministry versus One Primary Leader
- Spiritual Gifts versus Seeker Sensitive
- Neo Pentecostal versus Traditional
Even in our times of ministry at the closing of a service we draw our lines over preference and sometimes make them into points of contention and even make them into doctrines. Is it standing in neat lines versus crowded into groups? Is it the one man or woman anointed in God, or is it something called the “Five Stage Healing Model?” Do we cast nets and have “altar calls” so some may get saved or is everyone automatically safe because they are in the Ark?
There are so many legitimate and diverse models. You know what we need to do?
Repent…
Realize…
We need each other…
Their victory is our victory…
Oh… our victory is His victory…
Don’t Miss the Great Harvest!!
I have a warning for us. We could miss the Great Harvest if we are competing with one another. In fact, we could miss our portion of the Great Harvest if we are comparing our model to someone else’s while having an attitude of superiority. But rather, could we be cheerleaders instead of competitors? A no competition zone is desperately needed where we are cheerleaders instead of competitors.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, it indicates there’s room for diversity. There’s room for varieties of expressions. Now let’s be clear. We believe in integrity. We believe in accountability. We believe in character to carry the anointing. But let’s have this in mind. If we are going to really cast the net on the other side of the boat and catch and be harvesters, we must declare a “No Competition Zone.”
For the sake of the gospel of the kingdom of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, I want us to declare a “No Competition Zone” where we are cheerleaders and not competitors!
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Dr. James W. Goll is the founder of God Encounters Ministries. He is an international bestselling author, a certified Life Language Coach, an adviser to leaders and ministries and a recording artist. James has traveled around the world ministering in more than 50 nations sharing the love of Jesus, imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry and life in the Spirit. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding curriculum kits and is the author of more than 50 books, including “The Seer,” “The Prophet,” “The Discerner,” “The Lost Art of Intercession” and “Praying with God’s Heart.” James is also the founder of GOLL Ideation LLC, where creativity, consulting and leadership training come together.
