You know something that causes much strife within our relationships? Competition. Competition causes strife. Often, without us even realizing it.
We live in a competitive culture. Though no one explicitly says it, competition is always in the mix. Think of our emphasis on sports and winning. Does this competitive mindset reign only on the field?
Absolutely not. Competition makes it’s way into our homes, our families, our churches, even our marriages. Competition works under the surface, only being detected as the Lord opens your eyes to the root of the matter.
It’s very easy to operate from a competitive mindset your entire life, without realizing that competition is the reason for the strife in your life.
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
– Proverbs 13:10
Competition Causes Strife
To deal with competition at the root, we must assess the state of our minds.
- Do you desire to always be right?
- Do you want to be the best?
- Do you pressure others to see things your way?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be operating from a competitive mindset. Instead of a competitive mindset, we ought to desire a humble mindset.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
– Colossians 3:12
Humility Causes Harmony
Competition is rooted in pride, while humility is just the opposite. Competition aims to be better than others, while humility exalts others above self. It takes security to walk in humility. Only the Lord can bless us with humility of mind + a complete sense of security in Him.
We must ditch the competition, which causes strife, and pick up humility. Relationships are tense and stressful when competition is in the mix. Relationships laced with humility are peaceful, enjoyable and easygoing.
How are your relationships?
I encourage you to take a step back to determine the root cause of the strife within your relationships. Pray that the Lord will show you the role that you are playing. If pride/humility is in the mix. Ask Him to remove the pride and replace it with humility.
He can do it. Nothing is too hard for our God.
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