The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10
First, we need to ask the Lord to show us the condition of our hearts and why we desire to compete. When we give permission to the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, He will bring to our attention where we have a lack that we try to fill by competing. He also puts us in situations where we have to decide whether we will compete or not. Denying or excusing competition will not remove the desire. Every feeling or thought that comes to us during those moments are important to confront with the Lord’s help.
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1John 2:16-17
Second, the lust is always at the doorstep trying to trap people of God. Satan deceived Adam and Eve by making them take the matters into their own hands and causing them to think that they were missing something. There is a lust in every person’s heart that needs to be mastered. Otherwise the pride of life and the allure of significance will draw us to compete in order to be seen and look important.
Third, we need to be mindful of the fact that certain environments have a competitive tone to them. If you are part of a competitive environment, you will notice others who are used to competing to get their way or to survive. You have to decide if you are going to engage yourself in that kind of mindset/behavior. If you are a naturally competitive person, your flesh will want to prove itself. However, you can decide to deny your flesh and choose not to get engaged. In a way you’re telling your flesh that you choose to lose the competition by not showing up. If others want to be competitive, that’s a trap they have chosen to be entangled with, but you can choose to live a life free from competing.
You don’t have to allow your worth to be defined by any person or environment. If you surrender your worth to others, then you are at their mercy to continue to prop you up. You are also obligated to prove to them that you are still worthy. This is a form of idolatry! Do everything heartily as unto the Lord and leave it there. Whether it is acknowledged, appreciated, or applauded, it does not matter. Look to the Lord and ensure that He is pleased with your work. His view is the most important! Give the Lord your insecurities and acknowledge that He knows how to bless you and reward you.
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
