Market Forces

We are told that "Competition is good or everyone."
That is what much of modern culture promotes. It is hard not to live as though this were true. But should life be driven by 'market forces'?
It is obvious that those involved in commerce are pushed this way, and market share drives their decisions.
But there are surprises in store for those taking note of the way God deals with people.
Consider the first disciples that Jesus called, Andrew & Simon, James and John. 'One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men. (Mark 1.16-20)
Did you notice that both these pairs of brothers were engaged in a commercial fishing business? The two fishing families, with their hired staff, had been selling fish to the people and communities around the Sea of Galilee. This means that they could well have been rivals and competitors.
But Jesus calls them to become his followers, and to learn to collaborate and cooperate with one another on a common task. Instead of behaving like the commercial world from which they came, they were called to be part of a new community, in which everybody is welcome and valued.
This change has far-reaching consequences for how we live and behave. How we treat people and how we make decisions about our money and our time can either be shaped by a 'market forces' culture, or we can be shaped by the call of Jesus. Each of us, together and in community, can make a difference, that will affect the lives of all those around us.
Best wishes,
Richard