These negative traits were having the same effect on the church as empty beer cans and garbage have on a wilderness. Let us think for a moment how we as Christians experience competitiveness. When I was a pastor ministering on a university campus, I frequently saw different Christian groups competing for the allegiance of students. As I recall those days I can see that I was also guilty of that. I was just as concerned as they about the size of the meetings, how the message was received, etc.
Some churches are concerned that their congregations grow larger than the one down the street.
Others seek to attract big-name speakers to minister among them. We even see competitiveness as to a certain style of ministry within groups in a church such as ours. Some say that evangelism should be the emphasis. They gather in a group committed to world evangelization. Christ wants to save the world, they say, and they are serious about that commission.