On Emulation

   What is emulation?  Isn't it one of the great sins of our age?  
   How does the dictionary define it? 

   emulate.  1. To try to equal or surpass  2. To rival or vie 
              with successfully.      (F&W Dictionary) 
   
   emulation.  Effort or ambition to equal or excel another.  


   Synonyms.  Competition, rivalry, race, vying, rat race, keeping 
               up with the Jones    
      

   Isn't our entire society and way of life built around emulation 
   and competition?  Doesn't it start when we begin in school and 
   extend throughout the rest of our life?  Isn't it encouraged in 
   our society as a good thing?  Isn't it the normal way of life 
   in the work world?  Isn't it the thing that underlies so many 
   of the pursuits of our society --- pursuits such as the quest 
   for social status, power, fame, wealth, education, etc.?  
   Aren't all these quests, at their very root, simply the worldly 
   desire to raise oneself above one's fellows, to be more 
   important than others, to surpass them and be superior to them?  

   The Bible says "Whosoever will be great among you, let him be 
   your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him 
   be your servant"  (Matt. 20:26,27), and "Let nothing be done 
   through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each 
   esteem another better than themselves"  (Phil. 2:3) and 
   "Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought 
   nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing 
   out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content"  
   (I Tim. 6:6-8)