Is it unchristian to compete?

[Bobinfaith]

The church I attend has a softball, and basketball team. We play other church teams. Very enjoyable, fellowship and fun! Win or lose that day we all love God, we all love Jesus. God willing nobody was hurt and we go eat. God bless.

That is the point, Soldier of God!

Peanut, I don't feel Jesus hung out with the losers, He hangs out with all of us and the satisfaction of the Pharisees trying to impress Jesus is not exactly what we should be seeking. Instead of impressing Jesus we need to impress upon others who Jesus was so they can come to know Jesus. That is the character we can be when participating in sports or business where the fact of competition does become visible. Competition is not the point, its our role as His servants.

Besides participating as an athlete, I have served children from 4 years to 18 years of age as a Christian camp counselor, in marble tournaments, managing little league, working very, very close with their parents for many years I can only say have "witnessed", observed, and experienced the positive impact that safe competitive sports has had on these young persons in England, Germany, Mexico, Belize, South Carolina, and California. Praise the Lord!

I have had the opportunity to see them grow while playing sports, school to business, from children to teenagers to adults and make a positive contribution to society.

Its a big world out there and in my Walk with Jesus I can see the competition of a negative view, or dispute amongst ourselves that may cross my path. Keep His focus and perspective of The Word, of His Commands, then turn it into a positive situation whether sports, business, whatever, because our Father equips you and me the ability to do so if you will let Him. All the glory goes to you, Father.

Your servant in Christ Jesus.

 

[lll3]

This thread really caught my attention. At first I thought "Of course not." Then I started thinking of all the things competition entails and produces: Pride,envy,anger,unforgiveness,sometimes violence. I have to admit when my daughter is competing in basketball or track I get worked up and carried away. Football says "The meek do not inherit the turf.", "It won't hurt if you hit him harder than he hits you", players and fans go nuts when a linebacker hits a running back so hard it knocks his helmet off. Players in all sports taunt each other and their fans. Pregame trash-talk is to be expected. So I guess all things considered, I would say competition is a bad thing because it causes you to focus on yourself instead of Christ. But I think a friendly game of basketball is ok as long as it is not taken seriously.

 

[Peanut]

Bobinfaith, Interesting response.
Have you prayerfully read what you wrote?

lll3, You said: "This thread really caught my attention. At first I thought "Of course not." Then I started thinking of all the things competition entails and produces: Pride,envy,anger,unforgiveness,sometimes violence."

That, too, was my inital response when I first thought of 'competition'. And the biggest thing I see is "pride". Whether because *my* team won or because *my* team was so humble when they lost. But either way, pride was there.

 

[Jesuslovesu]

Ok does anyone see how weird this is? Are we talking about all forms of "competition"? or just sports and games? Because if we are talking about all forms then maybe are children should stop trying to get good grades. Or my husband not work so hard for when promotion time comes around.

If you can participate in something with out it leading to emotions and actions that are not in God's will where is the issue?

Joyfully ~ Jlu

 

[sparky]

You can only enjoy winning if you have experienced losing.Personaly i feel playing anything without a competitive spirit is a bit lame-it helps you raise the bar.As long as you can be as gracious a loser as you are a victor i cant see the problem.

 

[Bobinfaith]

Bobinfaith, Interesting response.
Have you prayerfully read what you wrote?

lll3, You said: "This thread really caught my attention. At first I thought "Of course not." Then I started thinking of all the things competition entails and produces: Pride,envy,anger,unforgiveness,sometimes violence."

That, too, was my inital response when I first thought of 'competition'. And the biggest thing I see is "pride". Whether because *my* team won or because *my* team was so humble when they lost. But either way, pride was there.

Dear Peanut,

Please overlook the "bold text". I am not angry..lol! I had a technical glitch and could not reverse the "bold".

This has been a fruitful topic, and yes, sister, you are correct. The responses have been interesting, ones that we all can learn from.

I always enter Talk Jesus prayerfully before I read/thread/post, and encourage others to do the same.
Please read "Before we enter Talk Jesus"

http://www.talkjesus.com/showthread.php?t=895

Jesuslovesu, sports was the main focus regarding "competition" and I feel the spirit has opened this up to all forms with a competitive nature. Your view is excellent and I agree, thank you.

Sparky, good point, well taken, brother!

What I observed is some here may have seen experiences of pride, envy, anger, unforgiveness, and sometimes, no, many times, violence from the results of competition. It exists.

Please read and meditate on 1 Timothy 4:24, The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgement ahead of them; then sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are cannot be hidden.

So do we discourage the concept of competition in our Christian lives? No! We take the darkness of competition and turn it into light, into something good. Many of us have seen the awesome positive witness in sports and business and its all God's good work! What a joy!

1 Timothy 4:4-6, For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

I hope this helps, giving all the glory to God for His purpose and plan.

Your servant in Christ Jesus.

 

[Yeshua]

Competing and Playing.

It is really all about the attitudes of the heart. And there is a difference between competing for ones own benefit and PLAYING for everyone’s benefit.


In of JESUS the Christ, Our LORD.
Yeshua :boy_hug:

 

[Peanut]

Bobinfaith, I have read your opinion and rationalization. In response, I will simply respond with God's Word:

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

Let us not be desirous of vain glory...

 

[sparky]

Peanut i really dont see anything wrong with bobs reasonings they seem fair and balanced.This thread like all threads are about an equal balanced exchange of veiws,discussions with the word at the core,lets not make it personal and decend into an argument

 

[Peanut]

Peanut i really dont see anything wrong with bobs reasonings they seem fair and balanced.This thread like all threads are about an equal balanced exchange of veiws,discussions with the word at the core,lets not make it personal and decend into an argument

I'm all for keeping it from being personal and avoiding an argument. Which is why I didn't respond to the condescension in his reply.

However, his reasonings are just that.... his.
The Word is not at the core.

Let's take a look, shall we?
I said: "And aren't Christians glad that Jesus hung out with *losers* (the undesirables)?"
He replied: "Peanut, I don't feel Jesus hung out with the losers, He hangs out with all of us"

Scripture states:
"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."
Mark 10:18

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Matthew 9:11-13

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Luke 5:30-32

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:10, 23

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

As for the rest of his response, it was defending a competitive stance; pure and simple.
But what is competing?
": to strive consciously or unconsciously for an objective (as position, profit, or a prize) : be in a state of rivalry"
Merriam-Webster

Until someone can show me in Scripture where wanting to win man-made competitions is something a Christian should do, then I will stay with what I said:
"Seems like the generations have been reared to believe that competing is good. It's been weighing heavily on my heart for the last few years that maybe it isn't."

Competition is the worldly way. The American Ideal...

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:15-16

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:8

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:43b-45

Let us not be desirous of vain glory....
Galatians 5:26

 

[dunkkain05]

Certainly this world encourages its people to be highly competative and therefore more productive - in a world where every second counts 'time is money' or so they say - we cannot please God by gaining skill and knowledge of a worldly nature, since this world and everything in it is quickly fading. Indeed the world will wear out like a used garment - But instead we should use our time on this earth to hear the eternal Word of God and learn to be obedient to His divine plan of salvation.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and strength.

This is the one I esteem, he who is humble and contrite in Spirit, who trembles at My Word... Isaiah <last chapter>

I do play football, and personally I like to play for the game sake - some people take it much more seriously and I think this destroys the goodwill sentiments which I value above 'winning'. To me the vaue of sport is to bring people together for the purpose of enjoyment - it is important that every player, in both teams enjoy the game.

Those who are blessed with great skill should give the glory to God, and not be filled with vain deceit as if it were their own hands which gave them their talent.

:thumbs_up Trust in the LORD and not in mans empty praise.

 

[mymakersdaughter]

I have played sports since I can remember. Love Basketball, volleyball, softball. I lived off of basketball for all my high school years, playing in Uni as well. Didn't play softball until I joined a church team at 30. The greatest highlight for me when playing softball was when I connected with the ball and it dropped beautifully over the shortstop by about 15 feet. I played on championship basketball teams in my youth but the greatest moment was that hit. It wasn't about how the pitcher threw the ball, how fast it was, how many people I got home ( have no idea about that). I was proud of my accomplishment. I feel exhillerated when I play sports, I am much healthier because of it.

We can use scripture to justify about anything, we humans are good at it. Scripture doesn't tell me what time I have to go to bed, when I have to get up. There are some christian's who are night hawks so be it. God gives us common sense. If we go into sports to anniliate someone well that would be the wrong reason and sports would not be healthy.

Let's not condem people on here. It's rather disappointing when I see that.

Peanut, this is the internet, it is difficult to take someone's tone on the net here, do not make assumptions about Bob's post being condescending. I have never seen Bob be condescending with anyone, he has no reason to do it to you.

Let's remember we are brothers and sisters, don't assume the worst from each other.

 

[Yeshua]

Good post about the subject of looking for the good.

Let us all remember to look through the eyes of LOVE and see the GOOD which is our LIGHT for God is LOVE, God is GOOD, and God is LIGHT.

Let us all be Children of the LIGHT.


In of JESUS the Christ, Our LORD.
Yeshua :boy_hug:

I have played sports since I can remember. Love Basketball, volleyball, softball. I lived off of basketball for all my high school years, playing in Uni as well. Didn't play softball until I joined a church team at 30. The greatest highlight for me when playing softball was when I connected with the ball and it dropped beautifully over the shortstop by about 15 feet. I played on championship basketball teams in my youth but the greatest moment was that hit. It wasn't about how the pitcher threw the ball, how fast it was, how many people I got home ( have no idea about that). I was proud of my accomplishment. I feel exhillerated when I play sports, I am much healthier because of it.

We can use scripture to justify about anything, we humans are good at it. Scripture doesn't tell me what time I have to go to bed, when I have to get up. There are some christian's who are night hawks so be it. God gives us common sense. If we go into sports to anniliate someone well that would be the wrong reason and sports would not be healthy.

Let's not condem people on here. It's rather disappointing when I see that.

Peanut, this is the internet, it is difficult to take someone's tone on the net here, do not make assumptions about Bob's post being condescending. I have never seen Bob be condescending with anyone, he has no reason to do it to you.

Let's remember we are brothers and sisters, don't assume the worst from each other.

 

[Peanut]

I have played sports since I can remember. Love Basketball, volleyball, softball. I lived off of basketball for all my high school years, playing in Uni as well. Didn't play softball until I joined a church team at 30. The greatest highlight for me when playing softball was when I connected with the ball and it dropped beautifully over the shortstop by about 15 feet. I played on championship basketball teams in my youth but the greatest moment was that hit. It wasn't about how the pitcher threw the ball, how fast it was, how many people I got home ( have no idea about that). I was proud of my accomplishment. I feel exhillerated when I play sports, I am much healthier because of it.

Yes, you do sound proud of that.

We can use scripture to justify about anything, we humans are good at it. Scripture doesn't tell me what time I have to go to bed, when I have to get up. There are some christian's who are night hawks so be it. God gives us common sense. If we go into sports to anniliate someone well that would be the wrong reason and sports would not be healthy.

I seem to have missed the portion of Scripture you used to communicate your opinion.

Let's not condem people on here. It's rather disappointing when I see that.

Hmmm..... Are you assuming someone has been condemned?

Peanut, this is the internet, it is difficult to take someone's tone on the net here, do not make assumptions about Bob's post being condescending. I have never seen Bob be condescending with anyone, he has no reason to do it to you.

Yet, you're assuming that it didn't exist?

Let's remember we are brothers and sisters, don't assume the worst from each other.

Yes, let's do that all around for everyone, shall we?

 

[Peanut]

I would agree with sparky and Bob. My two cents. We are talking about everything from spelling bees, to Churches involved in leagues, to proffesional anything. It is the heart and spirit of man that reflects what he is about. A man playing a sport has a choice, to be gracious winning or losing, or to be a poor sport who really has no buisness playing anyway. On sunday relaxing with family, football game on. Niece nephews wanna play a little football. I drag my self off the couch.lol. Organize some fair teams, explain fair and friendly rules, and build self esteem in children not emphasizing on a winner. (me being quarterback they will be close games)lol. In the midst of this fun, competition if you will, I assure you I will not think of what peanuts views are. Peanut the perfect world you live in is hard to grasp. Competition involves so much of our lives, whether we are involved as individuals or not. God bless.

I would hope you wouldn't give any credence to my views! It's only God's views that count!
Actually, I don't live in a 'perfect world'. I live in one that is imperfect and am waiting till I get to the perfect world that is Heaven! Until then, I won't say that the world does it, so I must.

 

[Coconut]

Peanut the perfect world you live in is hard to grasp.

I don`t see where Peanut was trying to suggest perfection...
but if she were...

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, [even] your perfection. 2Co 13:9

I seem to have missed the Scripture some of you used to communicate your opinions also
Should`nt any attempt at answering the question be based on the Word, since the question was "is it christian compete?" I think that would be Peanuts main point, and I agree. As far as I know "common sense" is`nt the criteria we christians use for deciding the answering to questions pertinent to christianity. (that would get us in a fine how-do- you-do mess!) It does`nt matter what the Word says, just use your common sence Brother! As my preacher boy says, common sense is`nt very common at all!

 

[burgeon]

Jesus is Lord!

My husband has a good friend, Sam Breaut, "Mr. Universe." (One would think that this is the ultimate vanity.) He is a faithful Brother in the Lord! He has been a great Christian Brother (mentor) to my husband.

On the other hand, I held a position as a beauty pageant judge in Florida, and it wasn't pretty.

If you love the Lord you will glorify Him. It will be obvious if it is about you or Him.

Your Sister in Christ,
Dr. Bon Vie/"Sylvia"

 

[mymakersdaughter]

Peanut, I do not have the time nor the engery to take apart your response, it would be a collosal waste of my time. You have it set in your mind that Bob has wronged you as you accused him of being condescending, if you can't remember that YOU wrote that then you need to reread your post.

If in your world you don't play sports then so be it. I am happy of the fact that I enjoyed myself emensely when I did.
Today I love coaching kids as it gives them an outlet for their anger and gives them something to do when both parents are out working. I intentionally choose the difficult kids to be on my team so I can work with them, teach them self control. I worked with boys who were in a bad area, their friends (boys I worked with) were charged with rape. I would pray for the kids, one of my boys accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Above anything else it was worth every bit of trouble because he is saved from a life of crime and serves a King. He came to play basketball every week, I coached him.
I am not going to allow you to destroy something great because of your lack of knowledge.
Sylvia, I agree with your point totally.

I will not put God in a box. He still reaches out to us even today.

 

[Chad]

Competition is the worldly way. The American Ideal...

As far as I know in this world competition is not the american ideal but worldwide.

Like soldier said, it is the heart of the man. Competition is not wrong in itself unless, like ANYTHING else it is misused.

It is wrong to use steel to make guns to kill. It is right to use steel to make some buildings and cars, etc.

It is wrong to compete against another business in a way to devour them and hurt them. It is right to compete only to acheive a goal of making a better product and/or service, vice versa - less any hate or such ungodly feelings in the process.

If you say competition like that the above example is wrong, then I guess every business in the world just about it breaking GOD's commandments. I'm in a very competitive business and I have no choice. I honestly don't care to compete but I have to match or beat my competitors. That is not evil whatsoever, that is simply working to offer the customers something good. Each business in their right motives would rightly have that goal.

 

[Bobinfaith]

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am going to step in now and moderate this. Where is Christ in all this? Think about it.

Peanut, Ok..You have said what you will of me. I am condescending, rationalizing, my posts are merely my opinion. Does Christ qualify you to make these stinging remarks of me, openly? Do you know me? Was I derogatory with you?

What concerns me is how you have micro analyzed the views of others and getting the last word, look at the results of the previous posts, tension and division amongst your brothers and sisters in this forum. Now, I am going to ask you, please stop it. This is beyond the context of this topic.

Its obvious your agenda is with me. Then let God be the judge of me.

God, not me, created the circumstances in my life as a ballplayer, coach, counselor, and businessman. God revealed the witness in my involvement of children and adults and the light they have become from the PURITY of competition.

This thread was about Is It Unchristian To Compete? My testimony is about taking the "unchrist to compete" and turning it into good and the scripture I reference stays within the realm of Christ and this forum, revealing how God can use all of us to take a situation and turn it into light.

This is what I do for our Heavenly Father. I take Him serious and what He has revealed in my life is all about Him. I have a passion for people, people's feelings, their souls. If competiton is the filth of our inner cup then I will be the first on the battlefield for Christ to fight this spiritual darkness.

Your servant in Christ Jesus.