Competitive Sacrifice

DAILY READING

Psalm 130

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

FIELD NOTES

We live in a competitive world; a world where the narrative is that resources are scarce, money is tight, and time is fleeting. In this narrative, we are often encouraged to gain all we can while we can and that the person with the most toys at the end of the day “wins.”

Paul’s times were not all that different, actually. Remember, it was the Greeks (home of Corinth) that invented competitive sports; that invented competitive debate; and that instituted competitive economies and governments. The Greeks were competitive people and Paul knows this.

So it’s interesting to note that Paul takes what would have been natural to the people of Corinth—their competitive context—and uses the gospel to turn it upside down. Instead of competing for resources, we should be competing in our generosity. Instead of competing for our own self-attainment, we should be competing in sacrifice. This is the way of the cross and the meaning of grace.

Today, let us redeem our competitive culture with the cross of Christ, seeking to excel in faith and love.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Does God need to redeem and transform a competitive spirit in your life today? How can you compete for sacrifice?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Remember and talk about a time where giving back has felt good. How can you as a family do that more and more?

PRAYER GUIDE

God, we humbly admit to you today that we have often tried to hoard for ourselves what rightly belongs to you. Forgive us and redeem us to live lives of radical generosity for your kingdom. Amen.