From Rivals to Co-Workers

It started with a single announcement.

On July 29, 1955, the United States officially declared its intent to launch satellites into space. Not to be outdone, the Soviet Union quickly followed with a similar statement.

Just like that, the space race was on.

And with it came a fierce battle for technological superiority—national pride on the line, global headlines watching every move. But no one could have predicted what would eventually come from this rivalry.

Welcome to Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. I’m Bart Leger. As a pastor for over 40 years, I’ve seen how easily competition can sneak into our hearts—even in ministry. But God’s Word offers a better way. And today’s story just might change the way you think about rivals and relationships.

The Soviets took the early lead:

They launched the first satellite into orbit—Sputnik.

Then they sent the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space.

But in 1969, the world watched as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

It was a moment that unofficially ended the space race. But something beautiful happened in the years that followed:

Two fierce rivals became partners.

They began sharing technology, knowledge, and even spacecraft.

And in time, they worked together to build something incredible: the International Space Station. A permanent outpost in space—not powered by competition, but by cooperation.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 3:5–9:

“After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News… It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow… For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.”

Paul wrote this to a church that was struggling with comparison and division.

Some were saying, “I follow Paul.” Others, “I follow Apollos.”

They were turning leaders into rivals—and missing the point entirely.

Paul says: “We’re not opponents. We’re not competitors.

We’re co-workers in God’s field.”

That’s the truth we need today.

Whether you’re in ministry, parenting, business, or just scrolling social media—it’s easy to feel like everyone else is ahead, and you’ve got to catch up.

But the Kingdom of God isn’t a race to the top.

It’s a mission we carry together.

Our gifting and calling matter. Some may seem more successful than others. But none of us are meant to stand alone.

We plant. Others water.

God brings the growth.

So instead of comparing yourself…

Serve with others.

Instead of competing for attention…

Cheer someone else on.

We get further when we stop fighting for first place and start building together.

Is there someone in your life—maybe even someone in your church or small group—you’ve quietly viewed as a rival? Or maybe it’s the church down the street?

Ask God to shift your perspective.

Invite collaboration.

Start praying for their success.

Because in Christ, you’re not competing—you’re co-laboring.

“Father, help us see others not as threats but as teammates. Teach us to work together, to celebrate each other’s gifts, and to remember that You’re the one who brings the growth. We want to build something lasting—for Your glory, not ours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

I know you’ve heard me say this before, but would you consider this. If this devotion encouraged you, would you please share it with a friend who could use the reminder that we’re better together. You can send them to dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/32 where they can click one of the buttons there to listen on their favorite podcast app, or listen right there on the website.

Thanks for joining me today on Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. Remember—this race isn’t about being first. It’s about being faithful. Come back next time for more encouragement to help you live grounded in God’s truth. Until then, have a great day, and God bless.