Competition, The Enemy Of Collaboration

I am reminded of this story from William R. White whenever I work with congregations who are collaborating with other congregations.

“In a large town there were two merchants who were fierce competitors. Their stores were across the street from each other. The sole method each man had for determining the success of his business was not daily profit, but how much more business he had than his competitor.

If a customer made a purchase at the store of one merchant, he would taunt his competitor when the sale was complete. The rivalry grew with each succeeding year.

One day God sent an angel to one of the merchants with an offer. ‘The Lord God has chosen to give you a great gift,’ the angel said. ‘Whatever you desire, you will receive. Ask for riches, long life, or healthy children, and the wish is yours. There is one stipulation,’ the angel cautioned. ‘Whatever you receive, you competitor will get twice as much. If you ask for 1000 gold coins, he will receive 2000. If you become famous, he will become twice as famous.’ The angel smiled. ‘This is God’s way of teaching you a lesson.’

The man thought for a moment. ‘You will give me anything I request?’ The angel nodded. The man’s face darkened. ‘I ask that you strike me blind in one eye.’”

When we agree to work together with other believers we are not in competition against them, we are teammates. The only score we should be keeping is the number of souls we reach for Jesus. Go team Jesus!!!