Competitive Value

Had lunch with one of my closest friends yesterday.  This guy has become an older brother to me.  We have been friends for many years. 

During our conversation over lunch he dropped a phrase that has been stuck in my head. 

"Trying to do something of competitive value."

 

The context was personal but the application is universal. 

 

It boils down to this, purity of actions.

We read blogs, we read books, we watch what is going on in the world around us or in the lives of friends and it can be very easy to take specific actions out of a desire to do something of competitive value.  To do well at work, not because we are capable and working hard is worship but because it gives us a notch on someone we know. 

It goes way back, Cain and Able way back.  There is something in our wiring as humans that when left unchecked turns back to self every time.

So what will drive us? 

Competitive value? 

or

Eternal Value.

When I wrestled with the idea of starting a church this was one of the core issues that had to be addressed.  Is the desire competitive or eternal in nature?  I often meet potential church planters who are driven more to prove something than to see people connect with Jesus in a deep, personal and transforming way.  I have to keep my heart in check all the time.  I pray that the eternal realities will far outweigh any self-focused motivation. 

ALL FOR HIM.