James W. Goll: "Declare a 'No Competition Zone'!"

From the Desks of Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith:

We appreciate James Goll writing this powerful word in this season about the Body of Christ being a "No Competition Zone"!

Each and every one of us have unique and special gifts that work together and compliment each other.

James gives us this warning:

I have a warning for us. We could miss the great harvest if we are competing with one another. In fact, we could miss our portion of the great harvest if we are comparing our model to someone else's while having an attitude of superiority. But rather, could we be cheerleaders instead of competitors? A "No Competition Zone" is desperately needed where we are cheerleaders instead of competitors.

We couldn't say this any better. Let's declare a NO COMPETITION ZONE across the Body of Christ! Let's instead do what Hebrews 10:24 tells us:

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

In Christ,

Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith, Co-Editors
Elijah List Publications

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We're in the height of sports competition time, aren't we? In the United States we are getting all ramped up towards the Super Bowl. And then in the Basketball world, it's March Madness. Then somewhere along the way, it's the Master's Tournament, Hockey World Cup, the Soccer World Cup and don't forget Baseball.

But, unfortunately, the greatest competitive and comparison games are performed every Sunday around the globe in the Body of Christ. It's about who's got the hottest new worship team, the greatest new light show, or the largest social media following; who has the largest streaming of their sermon on YouTube, and now featured on Rumble...

Perhaps we need to declare a "No Competition Zone"! We really are for one another, right? At least the rest of the week we are.

Gifts Are Given for Something Good

There is only one Holy Spirit. He works in a multiplicity of ways. There are many different spiritual gifts, but there's only one Gift Giver. The Holy Spirit of God and the prophetic anointing manifest in diverse ways, but they derive from the same Spirit as Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NASB) (Photo via Unsplash)

Wow, these gifts are given to each person for the common good. There really is a "No Competition Zone."

Do We Believe We Are Better Together?

I have a friend of mine who has a brilliant, lifestyle in their journey, and this leader declares a "love war." I am so grateful for this person's life example. When an offense knocks at the door, this leader declares a "love war." I know first-hand, as I have walked with this front line leader through many mountain tops and valleys in their life. And you know, we need to do the same. We need to be a "No Competition Zone" variety of people because we're in it together, aren't we?

We get too offended over issues of style. We get too offended over minutia, over minor things. We get into comparison and contrast, and it ultimately ends up turning into something called jealousy.

Historically, and presently, it goes something like this:

• Men versus Women
• Clergy versus Laity
• Liturgical versus Evangelical
• Sacramental versus Preaching
• House Church versus Mega Church
• Team Ministry versus One Primary Leader
• Spiritual Gifts versus Seeker Sensitive
• Neo Pentecostal versus Traditional

Even in our times of ministry, at the closing of a service, we draw our lines over preference and sometimes make them into points of contention and even make them into doctrines. Is it standing in neat lines versus crowded into groups? Is it the one man or woman anointed in God, or is it something called the "Five Stage Healing Model"? Do we cast nets and have "altar calls" so some may get saved, or is everyone automatically safe because they are in the ark?

There are so many legitimate and diverse models. You know what we need to do?

Repent...

Realize...

We need each other...

Their victory is our victory...

Oh... our victory is His victory... (Photo via Unsplash)

Don't Miss the Great Harvest!

I have a warning for us. We could miss the great harvest if we are competing with one another. In fact, we could miss our portion of the great harvest if we are comparing our model to someone else's while having an attitude of superiority. But rather, could we be cheerleaders instead of competitors? A "No Competition Zone" is desperately needed where we are cheerleaders instead of competitors.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 indicates there's room for diversity. There's room for varieties of expressions. Now let's be clear. We believe in integrity. We believe in accountability. We believe in character to carry the anointing. But let's have this in mind: If we are going to really cast the net on the other side of the boat and catch and be harvesters, we must declare a "No Competition Zone."

For the sake of the Gospel of the Kingdom of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, I want us to declare a "No Competition Zone" where we are cheerleaders and not competitors!

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Dr. James W. Goll
Founder of Encounters Network • God Encounters Training e-School • Prayer Storm
Email: info@encountersnetwork.com
Website: www.encountersnetwork.com

JAMES W. GOLL is the founder of God Encounters Ministries, formerly known as Encounters Network. He is an international bestselling author, a certified Life Language Coach, an adviser to leaders and ministries, and a recording artist. With great joy James has traveled around the world ministering in more than 50 nations sharing the love of Jesus, imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry, and life in the Spirit. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding curriculum kits and is the author of more than fifty books, including The Seer, The Prophet, The Discerner, The Lost Art of Intercession and Praying with God's Heart. James is also the founder of GOLL Ideation LLC, where creativity, consulting, and leadership training come together. James was married to Michal Ann for thirty-two years before her graduation to heaven in the fall of 2008. He has four adult married children and a growing number of grandchildren. James continues to make his home in Franklin, Tennessee.

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