out of competition
"Never act out of rivalry or conceit." —Philippians 2:3
The Lord commands us to never act out of rivalry (competition), because it seems related to conceit, that is, pride. However, in our culture we defy God by acting in competition in almost everything. For instance, from grades and sports to dates and scholarships, school is highly competitive. Work and entertainment are based on competition. Even family life is shot through with sibling rivalry. In our culture, we live, breathe, and eat competition. We don't know how else to live.
The Lord, however, commands us not to compete. "Rather, let all parties think humbly of others as superior to themselves, each of you looking to others' interests rather than to his own" (Phil 2:3-4). If we took these words to heart, our whole lives and even the world would change. This is exactly what Jesus wants.
To be a doer and not just a hearer (see Jas 1:22) of today's shocking words from Jesus:
- compose a prayer paraphrasing Philippians 2:3-4,
- pray this prayer daily for as long as it takes,
- go to Confession, and
- obey the Lord.
Live one verse of the Bible and change the world, as you let God change you.
Prayer: Father, show me how to relate to people and how to live in a new way.
Promise: "You will be repaid in the resurrection of the just." —Lk 14:14
Praise: Fred serves Jesus by lovingly caring for mentally retarded children.
Reference: (Advent is approaching. Pray about ordering our leaflet, An Isaiah Advent.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 10, 2012
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