By Cathy Fenton

Scripture References: John 3:22—4:3
Key Verses: John 4:1—3
Read the scripture in your Bibles out loud from King James, NIV and The Message.
The Pharisees had made the message of Jesus Christ into a competition between John the Baptist and Jesus. They were “keeping score” of how many each was baptizing. Even some of John’s disciples were part of it. Jesus and John were carrying the same message. They were not competing against each other; they were on the same team. Those that were keeping score, removed the focus off the message of Christ as the Messiah, the Savior and what He had to offer. The focus became rivalry and competition. So Jesus removed Himself from that area. But, both men continued to carry the same message to the people who were ready to receive it.
Now, we need to ask ourselves:
What is my focus on?
Am I in a competition with others? If so, what am I competing for and why?
Is our focus on leading one person at a time to Jesus Christ? Are we pointing the way to the Savior?
Is our focus on how many people we can get into a building?
Am I keeping score on what others are doing or am I tuned into God and sharing His love, redemption, peace, forgiveness and restoration with others?
If we are in competition mode, then we become divided not united. We are to be united as one body in Christ, and that means we are on the same team.