COMPETITION
“It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there.” “Winner take all.” “Nice guys finish last.” “Move up or move over.” “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” These are the slogans of a world driven by competition. When properly focused, competition can bring out the best in each of us. But when infected with selfish ambition and sinful pride, it can destroy relationships and corrode our hearts. God’s Word encourages a balanced and healthy understanding of competition.
CAN COMPETITION BE GOOD?
1 Corinthians 9:24 . . . Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.
1 Corinthians 15:10 . . . Whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me-and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.
Competition can drive us to improve ourselves or sharpen our skills. Paul certainly was competitive and God used this in his life to reach people and establish churches throughout the world.
WHEN DOES COMPETITION BECOME A BAD THING?
2 Timothy 2:5 . . . Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize.
Competitiveness can lead to sin if we try to win at all costs.
Genesis 4:4-8 . . . The Lord accepted Abel’s offering, but he did not accept Cain’s. This made Cain very angry and dejected. . .Later Cain suggested to his brother, Abel, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were together there, Cain attacked and killed his brother.
Competitiveness can lead to jealousy, anger, and bitterness, causing us to sin.
Luke 18:11 . . . The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: “I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don’t sin, I don’t commit adultery.”
Competition can lead to us to compare ourselves with others. This is pride, and pride always leads us to trouble.
ARE THERE AREAS WHERE COMPETITION IS NOT APPROPRIATE?
Matthew 18:1-4 . . . About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Which of us is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”. . . . Then [Jesus] said, “. . . Anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Competition is inappropriate any time we elevate ourselves over others.
SHOULD CHRISTIANS AVOID COMPETITION?
Genesis 4:1-8 . . . The Lord accepted Abel’s offering, but he did not accept Cain’s. This made Cain very angry and dejected . . . Cain attacked and killed his brother.
2 Samuel 15:1-12 . . . I wish I were the judge. Then people could bring their problems to me, and I would give them justice!
Misplaced pride and competitiveness can lead to sin and destroy families, as it did in Absalom’s case.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 . . . You also must run in such a way that you will win.
Properly focused competitive drives can produce great results.
1 Corinthians 15:10-11 . . . I have worked harder than all the other apostles.
Paul had a definite competitive streak, but he sought always to glorify his Lord rather than to assert his own superiority.
PEOPLE SAY I CAN BE TOO COMPETITIVE AT TIMES. HOW CAN I LEARN TO LIGHTEN UP?
Matthew 6:19-21 . . . Don’t store up treasures here on earth . . . Store your treasures in heaven.
We are warned not to spend our lives competing for the wrong things for the wrong reasons.
Colossians 3:22-25 . . . Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
We are to push ourselves to do our best, not to beat others, but because our best honors the God who created us.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 . . . How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!
We are always to remember where our ultimate and final victory lies.
PROMISE FROM GOD:
1 Corinthians 15:57 . . . How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!