I think yes competition can serve as an ungodly temptation of pride, I
also think it can be a great teacher of humility. We have referenced
competition from a winning standpoint and the pride that goes with it. But
what about learning the humility of losing, not being perfect, not being
the best, realizing that we are all different and that's OK? As well even
winning, if you really look at it is even a greater teacher of humility
once past the threshhold of prideful thoughts. Paul spoke of running, and
it probably was part of their culture then too. I don't know if we, as
humans, can ever get past competition entirely. We continually, whether we
care to admit it or not, are measuring ourselves to others and assessing,
just so we have a sense of what is quote, normal. That is to say within
limits, maintain social commonalities and levels, or we'd likely
become non-commutative people, hermits. Competition, like a weapon, can be
used destructively or it can be used constructively, dependent upon the
heart that holds it.
Brad
At 08:54 AM 1/16/2006 -0700, 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
Brad
When in doubt, reboot. If that fails a good hard boot will suffice...
like a cowboy boot with a cowboy in it
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