“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Ministry can easily become a place of comparison and competition. Whose church is bigger? Who got the speaking opportunity? Whose ministry is growing faster? But Paul shows us a different way. He starts this letter by naming his team, Silvanus and Timothy, right alongside himself. He doesn’t need to be the solo star. Later, he tells the Thessalonians, “We know you’re legit. You know we’re legit. So let’s partner together.” When you’re truly working in faith, laboring in love, and enduring in hope, you won’t have energy left to compete with others. You’ll be too busy encouraging and empowering them.
Think about the people in your life who are running the same race. Maybe it’s someone at your church, a friend in ministry, a coworker who shares your values, or even another church in your city. What would it look like to move from competition to partnership? To celebrate their wins as if they were your own? To share resources, offer encouragement, and work together rather than building your own isolated kingdom? The gospel spreads faster and farther when we lock arms and go together. God doesn’t need you to be the hero of the story. He’s already got that role. He just needs you to be faithful in your part and cheer others on in theirs.
Reflect:
- Who are you tempted to compare yourself with or compete against, and how can you shift toward encouraging them instead?
- What would it look like for you to partner with others in gospel work rather than building something on your own?
- Ask God to reveal any pride or insecurity that fuels comparison in your heart, and pray for specific people you can encourage and empower this week.
