Mark Johnson “Community over Competition.” Not a typical statement in the world of business, let alone among small restaurants in a foodie town like Portland, OR. As a bi-vocational pastor with a small coffee roasting business, this statement has driven my mission to support, follow, and promote similar businesses. And it is not just a marketing strategy, but a statement intended to build a community of small business owners supporting each other and the community we call home. It is not just freedom from competition, but a desire to build a community founded upon our shared success. I John reminds us that we are to look out for our “brother and sister in need” and admonishes us to help out of the blessing we have been given. This is a reflection of God’s love in our lives, and a response to the Spirit’s movement in our life. Do we look out for our community in our business practices? As students? As stay-at-home parents? Or are we trying to get the best deal we can, at any cost? Are we keeping our knowledge or gifts to ourselves? How do we choose, instead, to impact our surrounding community? As believers, the way we carry ourselves and our business should reflect the Kingdom of God here on earth as it is in Heaven. This is community mindedness. We can build our own kingdom, or we can use the blessings and skills given to us to work with God to build His Kingdom in our community. TIME FOR REFLECTION: How does my business or work benefit my community? Does it do harm? Is it neutral? Does it do good?Is there a need that can be met specifically through my business? Through my education? As a stay-at-home parent?Am I doing work that is Kingdom building? Am I glorifying my creator in my actions?