Can a Christian be competitive?

Over the last week the topic of competitiveness and Christian living has come up at a weekly men's group that I am a part of.  I was surprised that almost the entire group had a different opinion than I did, so I did some research and wrote a brief paper that summarized my thoughts.  I thought I'd share it here now.  So enjoy!!

Can a Christian be competitive?
Dealing with the question of competitiveness and Christianity: are the two mutually exclusive. The actual question that started it all is as follows: Is there ever a time that having a competitive nature is a good thing? It then evolved through discussion to “Is competitiveness compatible with the Christian life?” and “Was Jesus competitive?” While this response is not exhaustive or technically “scholarly” in nature (I borrow heavily from Bill Luganbill and do not use MLA citations or anything), I will put forward the idea that competitiveness is compatible with the Christian life if a person 1) Understands what is meant by Christian competitiveness and 2) Utilizes their skills, as in all things, to glorify God.


Lets first start with a definition. In a strict sense, the definition of the word “competition” is the act of competing for supremacy or a prize. In sociological terms, competition is rivalry between two or more persons or groups for an object desired in common, usually resulting in a victor and a loser but not necessarily involving the destruction of the latter. This can easily go down the road of God vs. Satan (aka 1 Peter 5:8 where the devil is described as an “adversary”). Realistically, from Gen 3:15 through the entire drama of Scripture you see an adversarial relationship between the flesh and the Spirit; or Jacob who wrestled with God; or the Elijah example we discussed; or the genealogy of the 12 tribes of Israel, etc. But I will keep this more focused on the day to day topics we were discussing on Tuesday and leave the deeper theological topics for another day.

We would all agree that as Christians we should all strive to do our best. Whether you look at Eph 6, Colossians 3, or this passage from 1 Peter 2:

18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.

The problem is our understanding of the word. "Competition" in the sense we mean it today is a concept for which it is difficult to find exact parallels for in Biblical times. Here is an example from Bob Luganbill of how we can draw an analogous example for the sake of understanding:

“…in the US we often say something is "a challenge" when we are really trying to put a positive spin on a negative development - the task at hand is more daunting than usual, but in our optimistic approach to things we try to look at the enjoyment and satisfaction that may be involved in solving a particularly difficult problem rather than at the mess we may be in. As far as I am aware, there is no comparable concept to "challenge" in this sense in other languages/cultures (not even in French, for example, where the root word for "challenge" comes from). That is not to say that other languages/cultures wouldn't understand what we are talking about once it is explained, but it does mean that we often take for granted that certain ideas or ways of looking at the world which are second-nature to us will of course be familiar to others as well. That is not the case in the modern world, and it is even a less reliable guide when looking at the ancient world.”

So just because something exists in our language, but does not exactly exist in another does not mean it does not exist. It also does not mean that it is wrong. In like manner, there is no direct equivalent vocabulary item in either ancient Greek or Hebrew, and no exact conceptual equivalent either for what is meant by "competition". A more closely related equivalent (and where my mind directly went on the topic) is the clear cultural predisposition toward excellence (the Greek arete is a very close match). But even though the structure of Greek and Roman athletics, as a point of comparison, allows for one "winner", the idea is still more focused upon the bestowing of excellence (or the proving of excellence already there) through the process of the games. (This for the record goes far beyond simple cooperation, or Christian helping which was proposed in class.) When I speak of the notion of competition, I speak of a “do your best”, “give it all you got” approach to your life. This is a noble view of competition as a process whereby it is the one or ones with true heart who work the hardest and persevere when the going gets tough who win out (or should win out) in the end. This aspect or notion of competition is one that is not unparalleled or lacking in scripture:

Don't you know that all the runners in the stadium run the race, but that only one receives the prize? Run in such a way so as to achieve what you are after. And again, everyone involved in competition (agonizomenos, i.e., participating in the agon or contest) exercises self-control in all respects. Those athletes go through such things so that they may receive a perishable crown of victory, but we do it to receive an imperishable one. So as I run this race of ours, I'm heading straight for the finish line; and as I box this bout of ours, I'm making every punch count. I'm "pummeling my body", one might say, bringing myself under strict control so that, after having preached [the gospel] to others, I might not myself be disqualified [from receiving the prize we all seek]. 1st Corinthians 9:24-27

There is a huge difference between a Biblical competitive nature and that which is found in secular society today (which is true of several other items as well). In the example given by Paul above, the athletes are all striving for a single prize which only one of them can possibly receive (so that the efforts of the many are futile). Furthermore, the thing they are striving for is ultimately pointless as well, because like all things in this world of emptiness, it will soon turn to dust. In the Christian life, on the other hand, the prizes we win by running for Christ are eternal and will ever be wonderful, and, since there is no shortage of heavenly treasure, we are not excluding others by our positive achievements. Quite to the contrary, our rewards are achieved in large part after personal spiritual growth by assisting in the process of the spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that far from "winning away" rewards from them, we win our rewards by helping them win theirs:

Now therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord at all times, for you know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1st Corinthians 15:58

So you see, the fact that there is a “reward “awaiting a Christian is a motivating factor, much like a competition. It is this "strive for excellence" element that is meant by Biblical competition, it is not at all competitive in the sense of succeeding at the expense of other believers (or of an opposing Church soccer team!). Both sides of this equation are important. Again to quote Luganbill:

Just as it would be a horrendous mistake to assume, for example, that it is the relative "success of my church/ministry/etc." which is the measure by which God will judge my work (i.e., pulling in more bodies than other churches/ministries), so it is likewise incorrect to assume that since there is no believer to believer competition for something tangible here on earth that we are therefore supposed to relax and not be motivated to strive for excellence. Each of these misapplications of scripture has its own pitfalls. We should ever be lending our fellow believers a hand up, but not allow anyone "to pull us down" into a lukewarm approach to our service to the Lord (1Cor.15:33). We should set a zealous example, and we should be stirred by the godly zeal and good example of others (Heb.12:1).

Ultimately, (in my opinion) there is nothing wrong with goodhearted competition in the pursuit of excellence. Competition becomes a problem; however, when our wins determine our worth.

As for the aspect of “winning at all costs”, which in business terms is sometimes described as social Darwinism, lets take again from Luganbill:

This notion of the active striving and triumphing of the superior person is most closely mirrored in scripture by the Greek word eritheia and its cognates, a word group expressing the idea of "striving", "rivalry", "ambition" and "contentiousness". This is forbidden Christians both directly (2Cor.12:20; Gal.5:20; Jas.3:14-16) and indirectly (Rom.2:8; Phil.1:17): Let nothing be done through strife (eritheia) or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Philippians 2:3

While I believe this is the perception of competition that the group first jumped too, it is not the view of competition that first came to my mind.

Paul also says that he is pressing "toward the mark (i.e., the finish line on the race course; Gk. skopos) for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ" (Phil.3:14). These two passages make it clear that it is not the effort in what we consider competition that is the problem - the effort should be there for believers who are aflame for Jesus Christ rather than lukewarm - but rather the problem is pride:

any selfishness which seeks advantage, attention, glory for oneself, and is not first and foremost concerned with the welfare and spiritual advance of one's fellow Christians. Since, as I say, it is precisely by helping one another that we achieve the rewards we seek, seeking gain of any kind for ourselves and to the detriment of our brothers and sisters while in this world is a fundamentally flawed and wrong-headed approach which will yield only "wood, hay and stubble" at the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor.3:10-15). It is in fact legitimate to "provoke" one another to love (Heb.12:3-4) and to acts of love (2Cor.9:2). What is wrong is to seek advantage for self (Phil.2:4). What is wrong is selfishness (1Cor.13:5). And that is the essence of the matter.

The way that I see is that the "spirit" of competition is a good thing when properly directed…which is true of most things when viewed through the lens of Jesus Christ. If we are truly striving to do our best for the glory of Jesus Christ, then that will turn out for the benefit of our fellow Christians who are aided by our efforts for His Church. And if we are truly striving to be the best we can be for Jesus Christ, then we give a positive example for our brothers and sisters to follow and does not disadvantage them in any way.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.

Hebrews 10:24

Seeing the strong race that others are running, is spiritually beneficial in every way. It is a true competitive Spirit in a Biblical sense. Inordinate secular competition in economic, political or sports terms is pointless in every way if that is all that one is consumed with, as not a few of the scriptures proclaim :

And I saw that all labor and achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:4

“The scriptures declare that "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Prov.27:17). When we run with the best, we become better runners. Only let our running not be in vain. Let us run on the right course, with the right fellow runners, toward the right goal, and for the right prize. As Christians, we must learn to turn that innate spirit of competitiveness toward good uses, looking forward to a good report of our running from our Lord on that day to come. May it not be said that we ran for ourselves, but for Him and His Church, and that we ran as hard and as well as we could.” At the end of the day, as with everything else, if competition consumes you or draws you away from your walk, then it’s a bad thing. However, striving for excellence using the gifts Our Father has given us, and ultimately recognizing Him in all we do, I do not believe is incompatible with the Christian life or Christian worldview. To answer the initial question: Yes, there are times that having a competitive nature can be a good thing.

Transformed By The Resurrection: Luke 24:13-35

This is the message I delivered at Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday.  Just thought I'd share in case you missed it:


I recently read the legend of the king who decided to set aside a special day to honour his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.

The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honour because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.

The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honour because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.

The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.

The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honoured as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.

The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: "You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!" That woman had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but she had unselfishly given her life to produce great people.



• There is nothing more powerful or more Christlike than sacrificial love. The king could not see the value in the humble lady. He missed the significance of the teacher. Often we miss the value of those around us. I think it would surprise us to know how often we miss the presence of Christ just as Cleopas and his friend missed the significance of the stranger on the road to Emmaus.

On the road to Emmaus here are some things you don’t want to miss:

1. The significance of the resurrection: It transforms us

• Look closely at what happens to these two people as they journey from Jerusalem to their home in the city of Emmaus seven miles away. A stranger, whom we know is Jesus, joins them. He asks them what they are talking about and they

stop dead in their tracks. They can hardly bring themselves to discuss it they are so saddened by the events of the last three days.

• Their friend, their master, their rabbi, the one they describe as a mighty prophet, has been unjustly condemned to death and violently killed on a cross. They say to their companion, "Are you the only person in all of Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place?" This would be enough to unsettle anyone but new and disturbing information is being told.

• Reports about his tomb being empty and the crazy notions of some who say he is alive.

• Listen to what happens next on that dusty road at the end of the day. This is the part that intrigues me. Jesus begins to interpret the Old Testament and explains to them how all these things were spoken of by Moses and the Prophets. He opens the Scriptures to them. He transforms their thinking.

• They had no idea these things were supposed to take place. They had concluded that Jesus’ mission had failed. They now understand that the last three days were the plan all along.

• Finally the two invite Jesus into their home. He has dinner with them. Again Jesus transformed the event. There at that ordinary dinner at the end of the day this stranger takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, gives it to them and their eyes are opened. In that moment they were transformed.

There’s a story about a young boy named Walter Elias. Born in the city, his parents one day moved out to the country to become farmers. Walter had a vivid imagination and the farm was the perfect place for a young boy and a wondering mind. One day in the apple orchard he was amazed when he saw sitting on a branch of one of the apple trees an owl. He just stood there and stared at the owl. He thought about what his father had told him about owls: owls always rested during the day because they hunted throughout the night. This owl was asleep. He also thought that this owl might make a great pet.

Being careful not to make any noises he stepped over sticks and leaves. The owl was in a deep sleep because it never heard Walter Elias walking toward it. Finally, standing under the owl, he reached up and grabbed the owl by the legs. Now, the events that followed are difficult to explain. Suddenly everything was utter chaos. The owl came to life. Walter’s thoughts about keeping the bird as a pet were quickly forgotten. The air filled with wings, and feathers, and screaming. In the excitement Walter held the legs tighter. And in his panic, Walter Elias, still holding on to the owl, threw it to the ground and stomped it to death. After things calmed down, Walter looked at the now dead and bloody bird and began to cry. He ran back to the farm, obtained a shovel, and buried the owl in the orchard.

At night he would dream of that owl. As the years passed he never got over what had happened that summer day. Deep down it affected him for the rest of his life. As an older man he said he never, ever killed anything again. Do you see it? Something significant happened after that event. Something that Walter didn’t miss. Something which transformed Walter Elias, something that redeemed him from the pit of despair, something that resurrected him, something that made Walter Elias into someone who we all have experienced in some way. You see his name changed to Walt Disney who created Mickey Mouse, Goofy and all those wonderful cartoon animals.



2. The significance of the resurrection: It convicts us

• The two disciples, when they had realised who Jesus was and were amazed at the great news, the said: "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?"

• They had realised what all of the Old Testament prophecies were about and they had to realise that they were wrong in thinking that Jesus was dead and that all hope was gone.

• That is what conviction is all about, realising that we are wrong about something and believe in it enough to change us. The two disciples could have said, well so what Jesus is back from the dead but he is still not going to wipe out the Romans.

• They believed enough in the fact that Jesus had risen and that he died for a reason. They realised that Jesus was the only one who could save them from something far worse than oppression from a government but from oppression from the Devil.

• A man that we all should know is Martin Luther; he is the impetus behind the Protestant Reformation. He was a Roman Catholic priest who was a very good man, but he came to a point at which he also had a burning heart he was convicted that he was saved through grace by faith…and nothing else.

• We should come to the point at which we realise that there is nothing for us to do but to repent and follow Jesus.

• We need to realise the things that we do and be able to turn from those things and follow Jesus.

• Has the resurrection of Jesus made any difference in YOUR lives…are YOU convicted that Jesus is our master and that we should live accordingly?

• Because brothers and sisters, Our hearts should burn too.

3. The significance of the resurrection: It makes us witnesses
• Of coarse once we are transformed and once we are convicted there is no reason that we should keep it to ourselves.

• Once the two disciples had realised that they had just met with the risen Lord they got up and went back to Jerusalem to tell the others.

• It was dark and they had already decided earlier that they should settle down and eat. They didn’t really feel like walking any more.

• But they got up and they walked the 7 miles to tell the others.

• They had become witnesses.

• What about us? When we hear good news what do we do…if I had to win a car or win money in a competition, I’m sure I won’t be able to keep it quiet. (Caller of the Year!/Winter Jam example!!)

• Well we have heard the good news and experienced it. The resurrection has changed our lives and has convicted us. We need to be able to go out and tell others.

• How do we do that, well the first step is that we live our lives so that people can see we’re different. That means that we don’t allow anything else to be our God. Pride should not rule our lives, money should not control our lives. Power over other should not rule our lives.

• When people see us they should see Jesus, we should be like Jesus…that is the way.

• We cannot tell people one thing and live another.

• Saying kind words to people make a difference, reaching out to people in need…that is all about being a witness to Jesus.



Summary
• I want to challenge us today that we should not live our lives without allow the resurrection be apart of it.

• That is the most important thing about Christianity…resurrection…power over sin and death!

• It must transform us, convict us and make disciples out of us.

• FF Bruce said of Paul, “Paul has a Christology in which the sun rises and sets on Jesus Christ.” He’s exactly right.