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.

We see competition every where. We see it at home, between siblings; at work, between workers; in politics, between political parties and between politicians; at teaching institutions, between students and also between faculty members; in businesses; and even between religious groups.

We compete, because, we want to improve our life-style; we want to achieve our goals or ambitions; we feel inferior, and therefore, want to prove our superiority; or simply because, we want to survive. Sometimes, competition is forced on us. For example, we have to take a competitive examination when there are many applicants for a job; or we have to do better than others if we want to keep our job.

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.

 

[Rebirth In Flames]

Well-argued point. I agree with you, actually 100 percent. The problem is that people don’t want to hear it, or accept it...even Christians. Though they might say why it’s morally okay, healthy, fun, etc, the fact remains that it’s still against the humble servant described in Scripture.

 

[Celticflower]

Are you saying all forms of competition are bad?

Does this mean I have to give up playing SCRABBLE with my sisters and brother at Christmas? That will cut down on a lot of laughter after dinner.
No more UNO with the hubby and kids in the tent when it rains on our camping trip? Well, I guess we could catch up on our sleep, but I think I like the talking and giggling that goes along with a card game better.
No more chess matches between my husband and son? No more Chinese checkers with my daughter?
(I think you can see where this is going--if you take it to a legalistic extreme it becomes absurd. And a lot like what the Jews where doing with all those extra laws and rules they added)

 

[neverforsaken]

competition i think is one of the most natural and healthy things in the world. natural law governs our physical being, which encourages competition, and has done so for millions of years. but spirituality is a different matter. the intent of a person determines the kind of competition. if you do a competition purely to feel self righteous than that can be bad. but if you compete to test yourself and to prove yourself, i believe that is very good.

 

[Rebirth In Flames]

I’m sure playing with future-telling cards would draw my friends and I together in laughter too, but since it goes against Scripture, it’s bad. Same with all games that promote pride etc, of which is fun and brings people together, but is ultimately against the Scriptural Christian...i.e. the true Christian.

 

[rosiecotton]

I’m sure playing with future-telling cards would draw my friends and I together in laughter too, but since it goes against Scripture, it’s bad. Same with all games that promote pride etc, of which is fun and brings people together, but is ultimately against the Scriptural Christian...i.e. the true Christian.

Hmm, guess I better tell our minister and all those from our church in our euchre card party that we aren't true Christians.

 

[Tractor1]

Many of the disciplines of competition are given as figurative examples to Christians (1 Cor. 9:25-27; 2 Tim. 2:5; Gal. 2:2; Phil. 3:13-14). Properly exercised, there's nothing wrong with competition.

In Christ,
Tracey

 

[SPALATIN]

I’m sure playing with future-telling cards would draw my friends and I together in laughter too, but since it goes against Scripture, it’s bad. Same with all games that promote pride etc, of which is fun and brings people together, but is ultimately against the Scriptural Christian...i.e. the true Christian.

So where is the Gospel in this? So far you have set a legal definitive.

I would agree that playing with Tarot is probably not smart and probably not Christian as scripture tells us not to play with divination.

But competition is not frowned upon at all by Paul. He probably visited the Olympics when he was in Athens at the areopagus and saw some great competition. He even notes it in his letters to various churches. "Run as if to win the race" He uses this verbage quite a bit and so I don't think that competition was or is a bad thing as long as it is honest competition.

In creating us he made us to enjoy life and competing in games is part of who we are. Some are better at games than the rest of us. My wife is far more competitive than I am, but every once in a while I beat her in a game. She always comes back though and wins the next to put me in my place.

 

[neverforsaken]

i think the problem with such cards lies in whether you believe in them or not. I dont think the danger is meant to be from a supernatural force, but how dangerous it is for anyone to place their decissions and futures in the hands of a game of chance. There are some people who will look at the things forbidden by the bible in a litteral sense and simply avoid doing it because the bible says so, without thinking about why the bible says so. gambling is bad because you always lose. sexual immorality can cause diseases. etc. But a card has no power over you unless you believe it does.

 

[linden]

Many of the disciplines of competition are given as figurative examples to Christians (1 Cor. 9:25-27; 2 Tim. 2:5; Gal. 2:2; Phil. 3:13-14). Properly exercised, there's nothing wrong with competition.

In Christ,
Tracey

Great points Tracey. I would like to add that since God designed the body, and He gave some the talent to run, catch, or swim, there is nothing wrong with competition. That is just absurd. We are in this world not of it. We need more Christians competing in sports not fewer. No wonder people think Christians are weird!

Linden

 

[mrcrow]

competition is essential if we are to use our gifts fully...
if you sit in a corner and muffle your god given potential its not good...or scriptural
when you compete...so do others...and so sharpen their gifts as well
what is most important is the kingdom of god and to glorify jesus in 'your' triumphs

run the race to win...not just to finish...you will be finished before you start.

 

[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).

 

[ps139]

aruangelo, I do not know who wrote that article, but I would try reading a different author.
Competition is veryt healthy.

Competition is bad when it gets to the point when
A) You wish harm on your opponent so you can win.
B) You cheat your opponent so you can win.
C) You are envious of your opponent because you didn't win.

I played sports from age 5 through college and it is one of the healthiest things for you. Competing also teaches you great discipline, and discipline builds virtue, it makes you stronger to resist temptations.