REVIVAL WILL TAKE COLLABORATION NOT COMPETITION
John the Baptist’s followers worried that more people were following Jesus than John. When John heard them saying this, he rebuked them. He recognized that God determined spiritual results. And he also understood that his ministry was to prepare the way for Christ’s ministry. As John said referring to Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John wasn’t trying to build his kingdom, but God’s.
To be jealous of another’s ministry or blessing, is to accuse God of favoritism, which He does not do (see Rom. 2:11). Having a competitive spirit towards other churches and ministries is to misunderstand God’s work in our cities and world. Comparing our blessings and gifts to that of others, is to open ourselves up to temptation. Instead, rejoice that God is blessing His work through whomever He will. Because after all, it is His work to bless, not ours.
When we begin to celebrate what God is doing through other ministries and collaborate for gospel saturation in our cities, we overcome the spirit of competition and jealousy and make way for unity. And unity is one of the most attractive features of the church to a fractured world.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for comparing ourselves to others, which opens our hearts up to being tempted by jealousy. Teach us to be content. Help us to celebrate with others when they are blessed. We don’t want to be like the Prodigal’s older brother. We want a new heart that beats with Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.