When Is Competition Appropriate?

In my "coaching" with ladies, I see a lot of competition they exhibit and would you believe with even their own husband. Is competition good or bad? I always refer to the Bible for the answer. I Corinthians 9:24 - Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You almost must run in such a way that you will win. That sounds "pushy" to me in a marriage. Competition can drive us to improve ouselves or sharpen our skills. Why it is not favored in a marriage is because: God looks upon us as having equal worth. Also, men and women are different. So, when the woman begins to fulfill the man's role...trouble starts. Competition becomes inappropriate anytime it causes us to think we are more important than others.

How can you learn to lighten up? Colossians 3:23 - Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. I think we should work hard, focus, do our best, not to beat others. Our best honors the God who created us. And......last but not least, we should be happy when ANYONE has created or accomplished something that makes them feel good about themselves. When there are eight people in a room and seven comment with enthusiasm what a great job you did and the one person did not......the one who made no comment stands out like a sore thumb.....jealous, bitter, sad looking....hey ladies that's negative and it will show up in your health! Everyone is important.....everyone works hard....everyone is happily supporting that person who has tried so very hard to accomplish and finish a project!

Make it a great Wednesday! Think of a way you can spread joy, encouragement, love, kindness!!!! Be happy someone else is great at what they do!!! ...and those are my very caring thoughts.