Tuesday night Scripture study, 11/19/13 Elder Dennis Trudgen Question: Is it good to be competitive? Are there any examples in the scriptures? Comments from the group: Not sure how this question was generated or the intent or specific instance. To be competitive would mean against another or to outdo or race in some form. If this is what they are referring to would be generally against the Christian attitude to be better than someone else What would be a Godly attitude? To be faster, stronger thinner, richer, smarter, more popular, more friends, etc ... The attitude would take pride and vanity Matt 19:19 2nd Corinthians 12;10 &1:27 Heb 12:1 The list is endless Is this the path the mover of the question was asking? Matthew 19 : 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. I Corinthians 1 : 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; II Corinthians 12 : 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Hebrews 12 : 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Thanks for the truly difficult subject. ☺ We do not find the words competitive or compete in the scriptures. In fact, the word was not really used until about 1850. (See below) Finding parallels in to that time period is very challenging. First off, I am not aware of any scriptures that restricts us from playing or competing in games. Paul uses several examples on athletes and those striving for salvation. The theme throughout is that the only prize that really matters is the prize eternal life and heavenly treasure. All other earthly prizes in this life are pointless and empty. This is not to say that sports, games or competition is sinful. All of us have, and do, participate in such activities enjoying each other’s company and fellowship in these things. I have read several Christian authors which talked about enjoying our gifts and talents from God. As with most things, it is “how you play the game.” In this, let us look at scriptures addressing how we are to treat others, selfishness and seeking vain glories. I will look forward to a board discussion on the many views on this subject so we can fully understand this subject. Modern English Definitions: com·pet·i·tive adjective 1. of, pertaining to, involving, or decided by competition: competitive sports; a competitive examination. 2. well suited for competition; having a feature that makes for successful competition: a competitive price. 3. having a strong desire to compete or to succeed. 4. useful to a competitor; giving a competitor an advantage: He was careful not to divulge competitive information about his invention. com•pet•i•tive (kəmˈpɛt ɪ tɪv) adj. 1. of, pertaining to, involving, or decided by competition. 2. well suited for competition: a competitive price. 3. having a strong desire to compete or to succeed. Competitive adjective 1. cut-throat, aggressive, fierce, ruthless, relentless, antagonistic, carnivorous (informal), dog-eat-dog 2. ambitious, pushing, opposing, aggressive, vying, contentious, combative, carnivorous 3. Spirited, driven, gung ho… zealous Strife or Rivalry Philippians 2:3-4 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (Do nothing from rivalry or conceit…ESV); Strife for above;Strongs G2052 - eritheia Strife: electioneering or intriguing for office 1. apparently, in the NT a courting distinction, a desire to put ones self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts 2. partisanship, fractiousness This same word was found before NT times only in Aristot., Polit. 5, 3 p. 1302b, 4; 1303a, 14, where it denotes a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means (BDAG). Paul exhorts the church to be one in the mind of Christ not putting self forward or being selfish (Phl 2:3). Jam 3:14 speaks against having selfishness or selfpromoting in your heart. (Wayne Steury) James 3 : 14-15 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. Holman Christian Standard Bible James 3:14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, dont brag and deny the truth. Philippians 1 : 15-16 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: New International Version Philippians 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. II Nephi 11 : 91 Nevertheless they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves, their own wisdom, and their own learning, that they may get gain, and grind upon the face of the poor;…106 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain, and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Proverbs 25 : 27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. Galatians 5 : 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. II Nephi 11 : 138 And now, because of the glory of the world, and to get gain, will they say this, and not for the glory of God. Alma 27 : 52 Yea, and it hath been redoubled by those which have dissented from us, while your iniquity is for the cause of your love of glory, and the vain things of the world? Mosiah 11 : 11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory of myself. Alma 12 : 3-5 3 And what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; 4 For they were men of a sound understanding, and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. 5 But this is not all: they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting, therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority, even as with the power and authority of God…. Alma 14 : 96 Yea, and we have been instruments in his hands, of doing this great and marvelous work; therefore let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God for ever. ….Alma 15 : 57- 61 57 Now seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called? 58 Why should I desire that I was an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth? 59 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word; yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. 60 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it: I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; 61 Yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God, to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. (The Son’s of Mosiah … be all you can be… Would you not say these men are “Spirited, driven, gung ho… zealous” I.E. Competitive?) Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Gills Exposition of the Entire Bible in whatsoever action, civil or religious throughout … do all in the name of the Lord Jesus; both in the strength of Christ, without whom nothing can be well said or done;… and in the performance of every duty, directing all to, and having solely in view his honour and glory: Galatians 6:4 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.4. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. Matthew 6 : 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Jacob 2 : 23-243 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after that ye have obtained a hope in Christ, ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them, for the intent to do good; to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick, and the afflicted. Boasting Matthew 18 : 1-4 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Alma 14 : 90 And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these words, his brother Aaron rebuked him, saying: Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting. 91 But Ammon saith unto him, I do not boast in my own strength, or in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God; 92 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength, I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God; for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name for ever. Psalms 44 : 8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. II Corinthians 8 : 24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. II Corinthians 9 : 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Alma 19 : 4 Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength, and thy wisdom. Mosiah 7 : 26 And now, because of this great victory, they were lifted up in the pride of their hearts; they did boast in their own strength, saying, that their fifty could stand against thousands of the Lamanites; Helaman 2 : 46 And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possesion of almost all their lands. Helaman 5 : 31 Yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner of iniquities. Alma 18 : 13-14 13 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word, even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things. 14 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength; use boldness, but not overbearance; Our Obligation in the Workplace Work Place… By putting forth our best effort, do we not make our company more competitive? I would mention that Israel was a set up as a free competitive enterprise versus a communistic form of government. II Timothy 2 : 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Matthew 10 : 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. Colossians 3 : 22-24 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive and inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ that you are serving. ... NIV) Colossians 4 : 1 masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Ephesians 6 : 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. 1 Peter 2:18-20 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.* 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. *perverse or deceitful Titus 2 : 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; I Timothy 6 : 9-12 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Matthew 25:14-30 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hidhis lords money… 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. We see several examples where “Spirited, driven, gung ho… zealous” I.E competitive-natured men have done great work for the Lord. Do we think that God wants us to fail in business? Do we not want to succeed in business and in life? Can there not be “Christian Athletes”? I will leave it up to others condemn the evils of competing and there are truly many self-serving examples in the world today. For me, competition in games or sports, whether it be Scrabble, horse shoes or tennis is to be enjoy for what it is. In anything we do, we are to keep our emotions, tongues and our actions under subjection. We are always to remember what is important and not to seek after the glory of the world but rather giving thanks, honor and glory to God.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:22:28 +0000