Is competition unchristian?

[arunangelo]

   To compete is to prove ourselves superior to others, or try to put our selves ahead of others. So that when we compete, we feel that we are either superior to others, or that we want to become superior to others and get ahead of them.  
   
   Some people may say that certain types of competitions are healthy, because, they increase our skills or encourage team spirit.  However, the fact remains that in competitions we put our selves or our own ahead of others.  This is contrary to Christian teachings.  Jesus tells us to be servants of others (Mark 10:44), instead of putting ourselves ahead of others.  He also tells us that we should seek the Kingdom of God, rather than worry about our food or clothing (Matt 6: 31-34). The early Christians followed this teachings and (Acts 4:34, 35) shared all their belonging with others, so that on one lacked their basic needs.  

   Jesus tells us to keep it a secret when we do good acts (Matt. 6:6); love our enemy; give and expect nothing in return; if some one borrows something from us, don’t ask it back; forgive others unceasingly; if someone takes our shirt give them our jacket as well and if someone slaps us on one cheek offer the other (Luke 6:27-36). He also tells us that the last shall be first and the first shall be last (Mark 9:33; 10:35-45)

   Paul tells us “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than himself.  Look not every man to his own things, but every man also to the things of others” (Phil 2:3-4). He tells us to be devoted to one another in brotherly love and honor others above our selves (Gal. 6:4).  He also tells us to keep away from strife (Phi.2:3; Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; Gal 5:20, 21); which is opposing, battling or competing with others.

    Competition makes us proud, selfish, jealous, angry, revengeful and hateful. These lead us to destruction (Pro. 16:18); because, they take us away from God. We must remember, that, we can not serve two masters, we can either serve God or we can serve mammon (Matt. 6:24).  If we love God, we will excel in our work, not because, we want to get ahead of others, but because, we care about others.  When we use competition to improve job performance we increase selfishness in the world.

[JudgeNot]

arunangelo,
Is your point against organized sports?  

I think I understand where you’re coming from, but I can’t say I fully agree.  

I played high school football in Texas.  In 1972 I was a starting player on the No. 5 ranked team in the state.  I often struggled with what seemed to be conflicting messages I got from my coaches vs. what I was taught about “pride” in church.  In fact, some of my coaches who advocated ‘pride’ attended the same church.  It was all very confusing to me.

Very generally:

Is it wrong for a man to take “pride” in his God given athletic abilities?  As long as the credit is given to God, I can’t see how.  David gave God the credit for his (athletic) prowess on the battlefield; an athlete gives credit to God for a valiant attempt at victory.  

A successful free market society is based on ‘competition’.  Is capitalism a sin?  A communist may say so, but then, since they don’t believe in God there is no such thing as “sin”, per se, to a communist.  

“I’ll give you six chickens if you give me a bushel of wheat.”  If I’m the guy with the chickens, I want the best grain available and I’ll inspect the goods of several before I trade with one.  I want the wheat growers to be in “competition” to give me the best wheat for my chickens.  

Feeding my family is an act of ‘competition’.  I compete against those who believe they may perform my job better that I, with the net result (if I win) being the ability to better care for my family.  I thank the Lord for the blessing of being good at what I do.

The very root of competition:  A man “competes” against the elements of nature to grow food and maintain shelter for his family.  When this is done and the man prospers, is it wrong for that man to feel good about his accomplishment?  

Did God intend for man to have a ‘guilt trip’ upon each good fortune?  Nope – but He does appreciate your thanks.

Is a professional athlete who does his job almost perfectly any less deserving than a brick layer who builds an almost perfect wall or a farmer who grows a near perfect crop?  Is there a reason one of the three should NOT be recognized for his prowess?  

In my mind, many of your scriptural references have to be “broadened” somewhat to cover your theory that competition is sin.  It took me many years to learn that while PRIDE is undesirable, competition does not necessarily spawn pride, and competitive pride is different from ‘Godless’ pride.  

Competitive sports teach perseverance.  I can find dozens of Biblical passages in favor of perseverance; can you show me just one against?

Competitive sports teach team work.  Is there identifiable scripture that downplays teamwork?  

Competitive sports may make clear a man’s physical and mental limits, thus indicating a dependence on God.  Is there fault with this reasoning?  

God bless and may the pure love of the Lord comfort your heart.
JudgeNot

[nChrist]

JudgeNot,

I agree. This discussion could extend to many things that wouldn't be bad at all.  Examples:

Care and concern for quality workmanship so you wouldn't cheat your customers.

Care and concern for the quality of your work so you wouldn't cheat the boss who signs your check.

Care and concern for preparing a Sunday School lesson or a sermon.

I actually think that the examples could be almost endless. I'm reflecting right now on many athletes who HAVE thanked God when they were interviewed after doing something well. So, they turned something from what could have been a matter of pride into a testimony. I think the question boils down to what kind of pride it was and what was the purpose.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Ephesians 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

[Soldier4Christ]

Amen Brothers,

There is a difference between self pride and giving credit and thankfullness to God for the gifts that he has given. To not use the gifts(abilities) that he has so generously given us would also be a sin. We should always strive to do our best in all our endeavors.


Col 3:23  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

[arunangelo]

There is nothing wrong in playing sports for fun. There is no need to prove our superiority or improve our skills by keeping scores. In the final analysis it leads to no where, except pride. All that will really matter in the end is, did we respond to people in need.
Some people quote “1 Cor. 9:25-29” to prove that competition is not bad.  However, in this passage Paul is talking about fighting sin, to win the prize, which is the Kingdom of God.  This is stated in Ephesians 6:12 (For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens).

[Soldier4Christ]

I agree that 1Cor 9:24-27 (there is no verse 28 or 29)    is an anology using athletics and not talking about athletics. To say though that Christians are not to participate in events such as say the Olympics, or the NFL,  because it causes one to sin is also stretching Gods word. Or to say that Christians should not go into a business because it is competitive against other businesses and this causes sin. Nor to run for a government office because that is competitive.

Competition when approached in the right manner is not sinful.

There are those that believe that the Bible teaches Socialism for the very reasons that you are giving about competition. Socialism is definitely not supported in the Bible.