When the church goes corporate (part 7)

Competitor or collaborator
In order to secure and maintain its hold in the market a company must be competitive. That is it strives to be better than its rival companies. In this manner a company unapologetically goes after its competitors’ clientele. This is how a free-market model works. But the model also drives an internal competition to outperform other individuals and departments either for the sake of morale or ladder-climbing. Again, in a free-market system this is an accepted and encouraged practice that we have grown to expect of great companies.

The church sets its sights on collaboration rather than competition to achieve its purpose. In fact, competition—whether internal or external—runs contrary to Christ’s goals and methods in the church. A church that presents a competitive front to the community and other churches will harm the cause of Christ. And competition within the church family creates division and deteriorates relationships.

The church at Corinth had fostered an unhealthy competition that Paul strongly opposed. Instead, he urged them, “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT) Paul repeats this theme to the church in Rome (Romans 14:19); to the church in Philippi (Philippians 1:27); to the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 4:2-6); and to the church at Colosse (Colossians 3:13-14).

The church in Thessalonica demonstrated the kind of inter-church collaboration that pleases God. Their joyous reception of the Gospel in the midst of persecution set an example “to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:7) And the church in Thessalonica “became imitators of God’s churches in Judea.” (1 Thessalonians 2:14). We are all in this together! “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)

©2009 Rob Fischer