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Competition in the Local Church

By Mark Larson

“And they came to Capernaum; and when He [Jesus] was in the house, He began to question them, ‘What were you discussing on the way?’ But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all’”
(Mark 9:33-35, NASB). 

The discussion that the twelve disciples had on the way to Capernaum is not an uncommon one today, even among disciples of Christ (though usually an unspoken one). Sadly, there are members of the Lord’s church that ask this same question today: “Which one of us is the greatest?” Though brethren may not think exactly in those terms, the spirit of competitiveness nevertheless exists in many local churches across the land.

The twelve disciples were supposed to be acting as a team, as brothers in God’s family, as fellow servants of the Lord. Instead, they were more concerned about their rank, status, or position in the kingdom: Who is “first”!?! The disciples had the benefit of spending time with Jesus who demonstrated humility and service. They received first hand instruction from the Lord on how to walk righteously. Yet, they disputed among themselves who is the greatest! The disciples’ behavior appears very childish and ridiculous. Their conduct was very shallow, beneath of how true disciples of Jesus should conduct themselves.

Lest we judge the twelve too harshly or hypocritically, we must examine ourselves by the same standard of judgment with absolute honesty (Mat. 7:1-5). What about own attitudes and behavior in the local church? Are we, in any way, shape, or form, being competitive in the Lord’s church? Are we overly concerned about who is “the greatest”?

Many of us cheer for our favorite sports teams, enjoy the competitiveness of the sports arena, and argue for which team is the greatest. Most sport activities can be beneficial in teaching the importance of leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship (i.e., fairness in following the rules of the game). We can recognize that leadership, teamwork, and “following the rules” (the law of Christ) is also important in the local church (Heb. 13:7, 17; Eph. 4:16; Col. 3:17). Yet, should there be also be a competition among brethren? Not according to the Scriptures.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”
(Eph. 3:20-21). Every local church should aim to give God the glory for everything they do (1 Cor. 10:31). This is expressed not only by the songs we sing or the prayers we pray, but also by our attitudes, behavior, and how we treat one another. When the goal is to glorify God or magnify His greatness, the issue of who is “the greatest” (in a competitive sense) becomes irrelevant.

We must learn to view our accomplishments in God’s service in the proper way. Whenever we achieve spiritual goals, improve in our character toward godliness, lead a person to Christ, or gain a victory over sin, etc. we need to remember to always give God the glory or “boast in the Lord” only (1 Cor. 1:31; See also
 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 15:56-57). We need to always remember that we are merely God’s instruments who uses us to accomplish His purposes. Paul’s attitude is a good one for us to imitate: “Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed” (Rom 15:17-18).  When observing the abilities and accomplishments of others, instead of being jealous, we should rejoice for them and pray that their talents and achievements may abound even more to the glory of God (1 Cor. 12:26; Phil. 1:9-11). In whatever role or part we fulfill in the Lord’s church, we must, in all things, give the glory to God: “Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Let us not behave like Diotrophes, who loved to be “first” among brethren
(3 John 9-11) and act as if we are in competition with one another. Too many local churches have been torn apart because of a lust for power and “greatness” by certain brethren. Far too many gospel preachers have, out of jealousy or envy, worked against each other instead of worked together to accomplish the work of God (e.g., Phil. 1:15-17). Even some pastors or elders have developed a competitive spirit among themselves in which the eldership turns into a “popularity contest.” The desire to be “first” is given greater concern than the work of the church and the shepherding or caring of the flock of God (1 Pet. 5:1-3).

If we truly want to be great in the sight of God, let us not go about it in a competitive manner nor look to the world’s definition of greatness
(Mark 10:35-42). Instead, let us remember what Jesus said on what it means to be first or great: “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). A Christian who want to be great must humble himself and become the servant of others (Mat. 23:11-12). God sees greatness in us when we act selflessly and put others before ourselves, just as Christ did (Phil. 2:3-5ff.). Rather than expect to be served, crave the limelight, or desire the glory given by men, let us imitate our Savior who demonstrated true greatness: “And calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, ‘You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’”
(Mark 10:42-45).