There is a high probability that my interest and involvement in athletics prompted the invitation to write this article. However, I have chosen to avoid the temptation that would limit this to the venue of athletic competition. Instead, I would like to consider the concept of competition in a more philosophical sense.
     ARE YOU COMPETITIVE?
     This is the question that I proposed to several people as an informal poll. All that responded “yes” were asked this follow up question: “Why do you say that?” Amazingly, all gave the same basic answer which came down to this: “I like to win” or “I don’t like to lose!”
     Is this the definition of being competitive? Certainly, this would be part of it, but I believe there is more.
     Let’s look at some Scriptural words to gain a sense of how God views competition: striving for mastery, contending for the faith, wrestling, pressing toward the mark, running the race, finishing the course, fighting, overcoming, bringing into subjection, keeping under, receiving the prize, being more than conquerors.
     All of these words and phrases are competitive terms. They show us that, scripturally, competitiveness is more than just liking to win or hating to lose. It is an exertion of our will and skill against someone, self or something with the intent of overcoming. I find that “victories” in life are God’s business. Our business is to prepare, plan and work to obtain God given mandates and goals.
     Consider the following line of reasoning: First, we see from the above terms and phrases that God expects us to be competitive. Second, we can deduct that because God expects this of us He provides a competitive nature for us. Third, if we have a nature to compete it is meant to be used for God’s glory not man’s glory. Therefore, I suggest that this competitive nature should not be discouraged but developed and directed toward Christlikeness.
     Why is this important? Because we are in a society that will pervert what God wants us to perfect. Society promotes two basic philosophies: an emphasis on self, or a de-emphasis on competition.
     SOCIETY’S EMPHASIS ON SELF
     The world encourages self-achievement and self-glorification which leads to the following ideas: that winning is paramount at all costs; that winners are an elite group of people; that first place is the only place; that an individual’s worth is determined by his or her production; and that only losers lose.
     This philosophy results in egotistical, self centered and over assertive people. They often seem to feel entitled to special treatment. They expect to call the shots and to be followed because they have more accomplishments than others. This, of course, is what gives many people a negative view of competition.
     SOCIETY’S DE-EMPHASIS OF COMPETITION
     An opposite view held by some is the de-emphasis of competition which promotes the following ideas: involvement rather overcoming; “I’m okay-- You’re okay” you must accept me for what I am; no one should excel over someone else; non-competitive activities; tolerance of poor performance; rewards for participation rather than accomplishment; everyone must be a winner; and compromise rather than contending.
     This philosophy results in people that are lazy, dependent, and lack initiative. This seems to be more easily accepted than the first philosophy but is just as unscriptural.
     Neither of these mindsets would describe our Savior nor should they describe us as His followers.
     God has instilled a competitive nature in all of us. He expects us to use it as a tool for his glory. As parents, coaches, teachers and Christian leaders we must not shy away from the idea of competitiveness because of the wrong philosophies of society. We must encourage this tool to be used properly so that the end result will be Christ like individuals who will battle the world (someone), the flesh (self), and the devil (something).

    Bob Christensen serves as the Senior Adults’ Pastor at Tri-City Ministries and also oversees the facilities management team. He and his wife, Diane have four children and serve at TCCS teaching and coaching. 2008 marks Coach Christensen’s seventh year coaching Varsity Boys’ Basketball.