5th Gear: Comparing and Competing

5th Gear: Comparing and Competing

“The 5th gear lowers engine RPMs at highway speeds, reducing noise and wear and tear.”

That old crusty John the Baptist made two statements that, if we slow down and think
deeply about what he is saying, we can see he is laying out two principles for entering
and staying in Jesus’ 5th Gear Life to the Full.

“A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” (John 3:27)
“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

Here is the setting:

John has previously baptized Jesus, but now, just a short time later, John’s disciples are
worried that Jesus’ disciples are baptizing more than they are:

They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the
other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and
everyone is going to him.” (John 3:26)

Apparently, even the devoted disciples of the holy John the Baptist are subject to those
twin maladies (addictions?) of comparison and competition!

Thank goodness we are not. ☹

Today let’s focus on John’s first response:

“A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.”

John is saying he is perfectly comfortable with the role his Heavenly Father has mapped
out for him. He feels no need to outperform Jesus, or anyone else for that matter.
Imagine how much more peaceful your life would be if you felt no need – absolutely no
need – to compare yourself, or your marriage, or your children, or … you can fill in the
blanks here.

Now for you, “I have to control everything and make it happen … my way,” folks – of
which I was the poster child at one time – this sounds ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous!
But please know that we are not talking about sitting in a closet and expecting God to
take care of your life or your business, or that we no longer have to be responsible and
prudent.

Or that we do not seek to advance in all or any areas of life.

No, but there is a huge difference between winding it out in 1st , 2nd , or 3rd gear, RPMs
maxing out, versus moving along at a productive pace, even at a highway pace, but in
the calm, relaxed pace of Jesus’ 5th Gear.

John’s disciples’ comparing and competing is hard to defeat, isn’t it?
But the better question is, “Where are you comparing and competing?”

Are you not? Perhaps look a little deeper.

If we find the balance of doing our best in all circumstances, always giving it our A+
effort,** and living with the comfort and confidence that, “A person can receive only what
is given them from heaven,” we will have learned to live in Jesus’ 5th Gear.

**To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
(Colossians 1:29)