About competition

[arunangelo]

Jesus tells us that to be first, we should be last and the servant of all(Mark 9:35).
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.

 

[Chad]

Amen brother. Good simple and informative thread. Today's world is so shamefully competitive it seems nearly impossible to conduct business without facing some sort of competitive stance or necessity. But, in Christ anything is possible.

I own my own web hosting business and this is probably one of the most competitve industries in the world nowadays. The good part is there is plenty of business to go around for around especially those who work hard and do so in an ethical manner according to GOD's teachings. Better long windy roads to true success than short straight paths to temporary bliss.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I don't think that God ever wanted us to forego competitive sports or other activities completely. In the movie "Chariots of Fire" didn't the lead character run the race for the glory of God? I can think of several Christians who are prominent sports competitors: Shawn Alexander - star running back for the NFL Seattle Seahawks, Joe Gibbs - NFL Coach of the Washington Red Skins and owner of a NASCAR racing team, to name just two.

God is not opposed to competition per se. He is, however, opposed to the arrogance and selfishness of cut-throat competition.

SLE

 

[To Christ]

Jesus tells us that to be first, we should be last and the servant of all(Mark 9:35).
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.

Arungelo, this is an excellent advisory about competiion.
Yet as Chad and SpiritledEd indicate, there is no condemnation of healthy marketplace or sports competition. It is the spirit of the undertaking that matters.

Paul also admonishes against the competition of comparing ourselves to others, the pitfall of worldly influence. We must be diligent to maintain as our sole standard Christ and glory in the LORD.

"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us--a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment. But 'he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.' For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends." (2 Corinthians 10:12-18)