Grace and Competition

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV). I could not help but dig a bit deeper in our reading from yesterday. The apostle says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (vv. 3-4). Paul is talking about competition.

We are in the midst of the 2016 Summer Olympics, known officially as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. We commonly refer to these games as “Rio 2016.” They are a major international multi-sport event in the tradition of the Olympic Games of ancient times. Opening rounds in certain events began on August 3rd, two days before the opening ceremony, and will formally run from August 5th to 21st this year. There aren’t many more competitive environments that the Olympics. While this is both normal and good in that setting; competition in our relationships are neither normal nor good for the child of grace. The admonition of the apostle is so counter intuitive for us. Paul knows that the life he describes does not come to us naturally or even by trying hard. He bases his appeal on the assumption that we have a richly satisfying life in God, that we know what it is to be encouraged in Christ, consoled by the Father’s love, and in fellowship with the Spirit (v. 1). This is what frees us from the all-consuming need to look out for ourselves. On an airplane, a flight attendant will instruct the passengers what to do in an emergency. Few pay attention, but there is one bit of advice that is eminently worthwhile. We’re told that if there is a lowering of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead. We are first to put the oxygen mask over our own mouth and nose, and then assist our children. We’re no good to our children or anyone else if we are gasping for air ourselves. As Christians we are to first breathe in deeply the powerful love of the; this frees us to then give our attention to others. That is the heart of a life immersed in the grace of God through Christ. Stop your competing within your relationships of family and friends. We can all be winners in Christ.