What Does The Bible Say About Competition?
Competition has been a part of human society since time immemorial. Societies, including religious ones, have always been driven by the need to outdo the competition and forge ahead. But what exactly does the Bible say about it? The Bible paints a varied picture when it comes to competition and encourages believers in Jesus to use it with wisdom.
The competition to which the Bible most frequently alludes is that between Judah and Israel, which is established in Genesis. In this saga, the nation of Judah had been chosen to gain power and defeat Israel, thus fulfilling God’s will. Similarly, the Bible also speaks of a spiritual competition between the faithful and non-believers in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus’ followers are victorious and those who opposed him are defeated.
The Bible also speaks of the battle between God and Satan. In various scriptures, this is described as a rivalry, a conflict between good and evil. It is up to us human beings to choose which side we want to be on, and in this sense competition can be seen as a metaphor for this spiritual struggle.
The Bible has some lessons to offer on healthy competition as well. Proverbs 25:27 speaks of the benefit of not being in a hurry and taking time to consider one’s moves. It encourages diligence and patience, rather than rushing into the battle. Ecclesiastes 9:11 admonishes believers to make use of their talents and use them wisely, in order to obtain victory over their competitors.
The Bible also speaks of the danger of competition, as seen in James 4:1-2, which warns us against striving for more than we have, and acting out of a sense of envy or rivalry. The emphasis here is on contentment, rather than aiming for material gain or superiority.
Although competition can be seen as a battle, it should not be regarded as something negative. Wise and healthy competition can be a strong motivator, and it can help us to reach our goals. For Christian believers, competition should be seen not just as a way to gain material or social advantages, but as an opportunity to demonstrate our faith in action.
In light of this, it becomes clear that the Bible doesn’t reject competition as a concept, but rather offers advice on how to use it constructively. Competition is a tool which can be used positively, but it should always be employed with caution.
Competition And The Drive For Success
Competition is an important part of the drive for success. As humans, we are driven by the desire to be better than our peers and to achieve more than others around us. This is something that has been embedded in our nature since the dawn of time, and it can be seen at work in our world today. The Bible speaks of the importance of valuing our strengths and striving for excellence, whilst also avoiding unwise comparisons with others.
When it comes to competition, the Bible speaks of the need for balance. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages us to bear in mind the importance of striving for excellence, whilst also recognizing that our ultimate goal is to serve God. This teaches us the importance of keeping our ambitions in check, rather than becoming obsessed with the need to out-compete others around us.
The Bible also stresses the importance of viewing competition as something healthy and constructive. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that iron sharpens iron and so people sharpen each other. This is an acknowledgement that competition can be a positive force, driving people to work hard and reach even greater heights.
In light of this, it is clear that the Bible does not reject competition as such, but encourages us to use it with wisdom. We should recognize that competition is a naturally occurring phenomenon, and can be harnessed for positive ends.
Competition And The Moral Implications
Whilst competition is important, it is also essential to bear in mind the moral implications of taking part in such contests. The Bible speaks of the importance of fairness, and this should be a guiding principle when competing with others.
The Bible speaks of the dangers of envy, which can be seen when people resort to unfair means in order to gain an advantage over their rivals. James 3:13-18 highlights the importance of exercising humility and empathy, rather than striving for victory at all costs. In this sense, the Bible urges us to take part in the competition and use it to demonstrate the goodness of our character.
At the same time, it is also essential to remember that competition does not always guarantee success. The Bible teaches us that in some circumstances things may not turn out as we had hoped for, and it is important to reflect on the lessons learnt from such experiences. We should strive to use competition as an opportunity to learn, rather than bemoaning our failures or successes.
Similarly, the Bible speaks of the danger of becoming too caught up in competition, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21. Here, Jesus warns us against focussing too much on material gain, and he encourages us to take part in contests for the right reasons. Competition, then, should be entered into with a spirit of joy, rather than with the aim of proving ourselves to others.
God’s Sovereignty Over Competitions
The Bible speaks of the importance of understanding that God is the ultimate arbiter, and no contest is ever won without his blessing. This can be seen in Deuteronomy 8, which tells us that God is the one who bestows success, prompting us to give him the glory in all areas of life, including contests.
The Bible also speaks of trusting in God’s will, even when the results of a contest are not what we had hoped for. This can be seen in Ecclesiastes 8, where it is noted that no one can understand God’s decisions and plans, and we are encouraged to be humble in the face of defeat.
In light of this, it is clear that the Bible speaks of the importance of humility and understanding that God’s will supersedes all else. Rather than being consumed with the need to win, we should instead trust in the knowledge that God is always in control of the outcomes of any contests.
Humility and Good Sportsmanship
The Bible also speaks of the importance of abiding by good sportsmanship and demonstrating humility, even when engaging in competition. 1 Corinthians 10 instructs us to act in a dignified manner, even when we are striving for success. This message is reinforced in Galatians 5, which encourages us to demonstrate grace and kindness even in the heat of battle.
The Bible also calls on us to show compassion towards our fellow competitors. The parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10, speaks of the need to show mercy and kindness to others in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. This message can be applied to competition too, as it encourages us to have empathy and understanding with those who are on the same path.
Ultimately, it is clear that the Bible speaks of the need to have humility and empathy when engaging in competition. Jesus calls on us to be humble and to put others before ourselves, and this should be our guiding principle when taking part in contests.
Competition and The Kingdom Of God
The Bible speaks of the importance for believers of using competition to spread the word of God and to bring others closer to the kingdom of God. Paul’s own competitive spirit is an example of this, as highlighted in Philippians 4, where he speaks of striving to bring glory to God.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of using competition to build up the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 speaks of the importance of pushing ourselves to our limits and striving for excellence, in order to win more people to the kingdom of God. In this sense, competition can be seen as a way for us to take part in the great mission of bringing others to Christ.
In light of this, it is clear that the Bible speaks of the importance of using competition as a tool for evangelism and service. Rather than being consumed with the need to win over others, believers should seek to use contests as a way to share their faith and bring others closer to the kingdom of God.
Lessons Learnt From Competition
Finally, the Bible speaks of the lessons which can be learnt from engaging in competition. Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride before a fall, and this is something which we should take to heart when competing with others. In other words, we should strive to have a healthy perspective on our successes and failures, and not be too consumed with our performance.
In addition, the Bible speaks of the importance of having a growth mindset when taking part in contests. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges us to be open to learning new things and developing our skills. This demonstrates the importance of viewing competition as an opportunity to develop, rather than simply an exercise in proving ourselves to others.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us numerous lessons when it comes to competition. It urges us to use this tool in a constructive way, and to be guided by humility and a growth mindset. In this way, believers can use competition as a vehicle for spiritual growth and service.
