Phil,
         Your post put me in mind of the fact that Paul, and the 
writer of Hebrews, (for those who don't believe that is the ssame 
person), used athletics and competition as an analogy to the 
Christian life.  Striving to win was not condemned at all.  In fact, 
we are encouraged to press on toward the goal of Jesus, something 
more valuable than the victory wreath of the athlete.
         I agree that competition is character building as 
well.  Even if you are only competing against yourself to become 
better, or more fit, or more able: there is nothing wrong with 
it.  It is a valuable tool in developing an attitude to become more 
like Christ.
Kathy


At 10:54 AM 1/16/2006, you wrote:
>Competition, when not played for money as if it were a job, in my opinion,
>can build character.  Why?  Because, you cannot always win but sometimes you
>can and do win.  The competitive sports I played in as a kid, track and
>field events when I could see, and wrestling after going blind, really did
>help build character and, in fact, some of the things I learned from my
>coach are still principles I live by today.  I also have watched my youngest
>son in Karate since he was 14 years old.  He is now 23 years old, 6 foot,
>and weighs about 250 pounds so he ain't no little boy any more.  He keeps
>his competition in the tournaments in Christian perspective and although he
>never graduated from high school, he is one of the hardest workers I have
>ever seen.  He makes a good living, too, in the business He owns.  He is
>also got a big heart when it comes to the Lord and wants God to be number
>one in his life at all times.  Yet, when it comes to sports, he is
>competitive.  sure, he loves to win but losing doesn't stop him.  Do you see
>a Christian principle there for life?  I do.  It is easy to get pride mixed
>up with accomplishment and the character trait of not giving up when things
>don't go your way.  The bottom line is, Who is Jesus to you?  If He isn't
>Lord, pride is all you've got and it won't take you to Heaven.
>
>Phil.
>
>
>Jesus Is Your Problem Not The Devil.  Luke 12:5
>www.SafePlaceFellowship.com