Competition is a great source of social engagement. Whether in sports or economic settings, competition serves as a natural catalyst for growth and innovation. It can drive us to expand our capacities and bring out our best capabilities. The wise man Solomon recognized that “as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
It’s when our motivations are not right that competition brings out the worst in us and can curse us. As in everything, the real test relates not to the condition of our muscle, brain or wallet, but heart—which is what God observes and measures.
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,’ says the LORD.”
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)
RELEVANCE
The apostle Paul brought up an interesting subject in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”
Although his main point related to the issue of being diligent in this life for the purpose of an eternal victory, he used the context of athletic competition to make a point that a key aspect of life was being disciplined; and running with purpose in every step to achieve the greater goal. That should be our motivation in competition. If we view competition as a natural means of disciplining our spiritual muscle to stretch our faith and capacities to glorify our Creator we have done well.
On the other hand, too often our natural tendency is to win for the sake of winning or to prove something: to our self, like our self-worth; or to somebody else, that we are superior. Neither situation has a healthy motivation at heart. In doing so we risk losing our soul; even more the benefit of a potentially rewarding relationship.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Think of some of the ways you engage competitively. Ask God for His “win-win” perspective.
REFERENCES
Genesis 4:1-15