This question may seem simple, but it is at the center of our philosophy of life. It shapes how we choose to live.
Recently, I overheard some parents urging their children toward Hollywood fame—many driven by a longing for recognition and success. As a parent, I understand that need. Who doesn’t want their child to be celebrated by the world? And yet, those little angels—full of potential and vulnerability—are cast into untold emotional pressure just to survive the early stages of the competition. They’re made to compete—not only with strangers but sometimes with teammates and even close friends. Parents, too, find themselves caught in competition—smiling one moment, rivals the next—all hoping their child will come out on top.
I haven’t stopped thinking about those children. How many will actually “make it”? What will happen to those who won’t walk the red carpet at Hollywood? And more importantly, what does “making it” even mean? Is life all about winning?
Many of us have been conditioned to view life as a life-long race—an endless contest. We’re taught to outperform, to outshine, to win at all costs. This mindset—shaped by capitalism and individualism—turns every interaction into a competition. We stop living and start comparing, measuring our worth against friends, neighbors, even our own family. Our lives become reflections of others’ expectations—they influence what we drive, eat, and even how we dress. This is true with churches too–competition determines success. In the end, we lose sight of who we truly are.
But we were not created to compete. We were created for fellowship. To live is to walk with others.
Life isn’t about defeating others—it’s about walking alongside God’s people. It’s about realizing that our existence finds meaning not in how far ahead we are, but in our interconnectedness with those around us. If I see you as a rival, I cannot truly see you as a companion. If winning is my goal, then beating you becomes my mission. You become someone to conquer—not someone to love and connect with.
To me, the value of life lies not in how many we leave behind, but in how many we lift up along the way. Sometimes, to live fully means slowing down—pausing the race—to extend a hand to those who are barely standing. It means choosing compassion over competition, presence over performance, and humanity over hustle. We cannot do that if our sole goal is winning.
I often think of Jesus in this light. He lived for others, not for applause. His miracles were never self-serving; they were acts of love and healing. He saw the broken, the hurting, the forgotten—and he stopped for them. In times like these, Jesus calls us to do the same.
This is not the way of capitalism. This is the way of Christ. To live as Jesus did is to live for others. It is to celebrate—not surpass—our neighbors. It is to see greatness not in dominance, but in service. To be “great” in the kingdom of God is to become a servant, even a slave, to others.
This is the Jesus Way. It is the only path that leads not only to life but also to love, purpose, and peace. It is the true goal of life.
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From the E-Crier of May 15, 2025. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter.