According to Ed, my neighbour next door, farmers have no time for even their families or their dogs when they are able to harvest. It is because they have so much more land to deal with these days, that they have no time for anyone or anything except the job at hand - to get their crops off. They are way too busy with getting their own combining done to be concerned about their neighbour. Ed says it is every farmer for himself or herself during harvest. Otherwise, it is mostly good natured comparing and competing when it comes to other farmers.
Perhaps because I grew up with three older brothers, I don't remember a lot of good natured comparing or competing. Comparing me to others tends to make me cynical about myself especially on the golf course. Competing with others tends to make me want to win. I have found those people who say they don't care if they win or lose never say it when they lose.
I have been told I have a juvenile understanding of comparing and competing. I asked Ed about it and he says that comparing means you are always the best or a bit better than anyone else in your own mind. Competing means only doing the things you are going to win at. This, he claims, has always worked for him, at least most of the time. Since life seems to revolve around comparing and competing to a significant degree, I went to my Bible for a true understanding of them both.
Competing is used in the Bible in reference to sport, where competitors competed to win a crown or wreath in ancient games. Everyone who competed underwent strict training in hopes of winning the prize. The Bible also points out that if anyone competed as an athlete he could not receive the victor's crown unless he competed according to the rules. Paul speaks of being highly competitive in seeking to become one of the best Pharisees ever. He persecuted the followers of Christ, as a Hebrew of the Hebrews, confident he was doing what was right. This brought Paul to encounter Jesus Christ. Jesus asked him, "Why are you persecuting me?" Paul's zeal and self-righteousness vanished before Jesus.
For Paul, there was no competing with the greatness of Jesus; all we are and have is like rubbish before him. Before Jesus, there is no righteousness of our own from the law; there is only faith which comes from God. Jesus takes hold of us through faith, so we will press on with him toward the goal of heaven.
When I think of competing it is about winning. Comparing leads me to see others as, better or worse, than myself. I don't need to win while others lose. I don't need to look better or worse than others. Jesus has won forgiveness and the promise of heaven for all. He did this so that with him and others we can enjoy God's victory for us through our faith in Jesus. Here on Earth we often compare and compete to win favour for ourselves. God would have us compare ourselves to Jesus. Our competing is to be against ourselves so we act in the attitude and spirit of Jesus. The Bible says we should each test our own actions. Comparing ourselves only to ourselves or to Jesus can keep us humble. Then we can press on for the goal of heaven where our citizenship lies.
