DAILY TEXT, From today Monday August 7, 2023, Let  us not become self-centered, fomenting competitions between each other and envying each other (Gal. 5:26).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Monday August 7

Let us not become self-centered, fomenting competition with one another and envying one another (Gal. 5:26).

In this world, many people are willing to do whatever it takes to look better than others. For example, a businessman may resort to cutthroat tactics to get ahead of his rivals. An athlete may purposely injure an opposing player in order to win. Or maybe a student vying for a place at a major university cheats on admissions tests. Christians know that all this is wrong, because it is part of "the works of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19-21). But could it be that some of Jehovah's servants are fostering competition in the congregation without even realizing it? It is important to answer this question, because this can affect the unity of our brotherhood. So that, it is convenient for us to analyze the examples of faithful servants of biblical times who did not allow themselves to be carried away by this spirit. w21.07 14 pars. 1, 2.

LET'S TAKE A SELF-EXAM

What questions should we ask ourselves?

It is a good idea to analyze ourselves from time to time. We can ask ourselves: “Do I need to compare myself to others in order to feel good about myself? What drives me to work in the congregation? Is it a desire to be better than others, or at least better than a certain brother or sister? Or is it just my desire to give my best to Jehovah?” Why is it important to answer these questions? Let's see what the Bible says.

Why shouldn't we compare ourselves to others, as Galatians 6:3, 4 says?

The Bible tells us not to compare ourselves to others (see Galatians 6:3, 4). Because? Because if we feel superior when comparing ourselves to others, we can become proud. And if we feel inferior, we can get discouraged. Neither option reflects good judgment (Rom. 12:3). A sister from Greece named Katerinab says: “I used to compare myself to other sisters who seemed prettier, more skilled in the ministry, and friendlier. That made me feel worthless." Let us remember that Jehovah did not bring us to him because of our beauty, ease of speech or popularity, but because we are willing to love him and listen to his Son (John 6:44; 1 Cor. 1: 26-31).

According to Galatians 5:26, what defects can lead us to manifest a spirit of competition?

(Read Galatians 5:26.) What defects can lead us to manifest a spirit of competition? One is egocentrism. The self-centered person is proud and selfish. Another defect is envy. The envious person not only wants what another person has, but he also wants that person not to have it. So, being envious of someone implies hating them. Without a doubt, we want to avoid these defects like the plague.

What example helps us understand the damage caused by self-centeredness and envy?

Egocentrism and envy are similar to the impurities that dirty the fuel of an airplane. The plane may get off the ground; But if debris clogs the fuel lines, the engines may lose power just before landing and the plane crashes. Similarly, someone may have been serving Jehovah for a while; but, if there is self-centeredness and envy inside, it will end up crashing (Prov. 16:18). He will stop serving Jehovah, harm himself and harm others. How can we avoid becoming self-centered and envious?

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