Should Christians Compete?

During our lifetime we all compete at something. From birth, we are bombarded with images of competition in sports, business, and even personal appearance. It’s understandable why we would begin to grow competitive but should Christians compete? Once we become a child of God should we really stop competing?

Parents

As a child, we compete for our parent’s attention and while we grow older our parents encourage us to compete with other children. Parents want to feel their children are smarter or better and the parents themselves can feel “proud” and elevated vicariously through their offspring. My father had me out there racing other children for money at the age of 6. Is competition a good thing for a child of 6? I personally don’t think so and when the motive is money I am positive it is very wrong. But mine is an extreme story I promise to tell in the future.

As a parent, I encouraged my children to be the best in whatever they did. Whether it be sports, education, or any other interest. Just like many parents I wanted my children to be successful and lead a life easier than mine. But I also felt a sense of “pride” when my kids did well and I encouraged them to be proud of their accomplishments. This usually involved competing in some capacity. Why must we compete? Is it an innate desire or is it learned behavior? Is it a healthy good thing or ego-driven bad thing?

What Does The Bible Say?

Well, 1st Corinthians 9:24 says: Many people run in a race but only one wins, so run in order to win. See that sounds pretty straight forward. The Bible is endorsing competition and that we should all strive to be #1, right? But as my wonderful friend and pastor Brother Bobby reminds me, there is danger in grabbing a single verse from the Bible in order to serve your purpose, so I read all of it.

The Apostle Paul is writing to the Corinthians. The Corinthians were a people heavily involved in The Grecian games similar to the Olympics. Paul knew this and spoke to them using the race as a metaphor because he knew they would understand. The “race” he speaks of is our journey as Christians taking place in the stadium of the world. Paul means that all runners (Christians) should run their best race in order to reach the prize, everlasting life in Heaven. But although this verse is not a Biblical endorsement for competing in sports, I don’t believe the Holy Spirit would lead Paul to use an example of anything deemed bad or evil in comparing our service to God.

Competing Intent

In Biblical days, activities such as sword-fighting, archery, and javelin throwing was a matter of war and survival, but I would bet there was much practice and probably competition. I believe the competition issue for Christians comes down to intent. Christian athletes and even entertainers pay a heavy price when they stand up for their values, but if we as Christians compete for the right reasons then it is a good thing, maybe even a great thing. Philippians 2:3 says: Do nothing for selfish ambition or conceit but in humility.

https://wp.me/p8zJFM-1Cw Cindy Dawson (Real Christian Women)

Why I Compete

The Holy Spirit got me out of my recliner and walking for my health. Over time I walked faster and longer distances. I used this time alone to talk with God and I became closer and stronger with Him. Eventually, I began entering races that benefit causes or charities and at the age of 67 just being able to finish a race was a great accomplishment for me. Never let me forget that no glory is mine, but all glory to my God and creator. I feel deeply that God still has plans for me and needs me to be healthier and stronger. God knows my heart. 1st Samuel 16:7 For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. If we compete for the benefit of others, not for personal glory, and as a testimony for what Jesus has done for us, then we are in the right race.

https://thedailysinner.blog/jesus-wins/