One upmanship is playing to look better, be better than someone else.   One upmanship in the work place or in a neighborhood or in a home… the strife of one upmanship causes havoc and unrest.  Even for those observing the game of one upmanship being played out is uncomfortable to watch.

One upmanship became a way of life for the family of Jacob.  How sad!

Leah had four sons and her younger sister, also married to Jacob, had no children.

Rachel’s jealousy caused her to convince Jacob to use her maid to bear children… and those children would be Rachel’s!

Rachel’s maid had two sons.  Leah the first wife had stopped having children, so following her sister’s example, Leah gave her maid to Jacob and two more sons were born to him.

One upmanship didn’t stop there, it continued for many years.

Leah had two more sons and a daughter, Dinah.

Rachel, the barren wife then was blessed by God with a son, Joseph.  And she immediately wanted another son!
(Genesis 30:1-24)

The contention of one upmanship must have been thick enough to cut with a knife in that family.  Wives, maids, children, and Jacob must have all felt the tension between the battling sisters.

Jealousy does much damage and one upmanship causes further damage.  With whom are you battling in the one upmanship game?

It is not a game which leaves anyone unscathed.  It is harmful to the ones playing the game.

Trying to gain hold of the upper hand is one upmanship.  It causes upheaval, doing anything to have control and dominance.

~ Take it to heart ~

What God says to all who repent from any sin:

(NASB) Psalm 51:10-13
“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.”

Is this your prayer?