Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Competition, according to the Penguin-Macquarie Dictionary (1986) means: 1. The act of competing; rivalry. 2. A contest for some prize or advantage. 3. The rivalry between two or more business enterprises to secure the patronage of prospective buyers. 4. A competitor or competitors.

If we could read mankind’s predominant thoughts during today’s work/school weeks, we would find the tenor of these thoughts predominantly revolving around the principle motive of national or racial pride. This is often displayed in sport, and most explicitly, in war.

The original sinner, Lucifer, fell and became Satan, the accuser and the devil, through nurturing this sin of pride.

People often reveal how deep-rooted their pride really is whenever they try to compare themselves favorably over others.

In contrast with this is peaceful contentment, humility and contrition; thoughtful regard for the overall best good and happiness of others.

God and His Son, Jesus, demonstrated this second characteristic in the whole plan of redemption. This was portrayed graphically in the brutal death by crucifixion in return for the incredible gift of the Godhead in forming the eternal link with mankind. Jesus became a man forever, in order to save those who would choose to respond.

The ungrateful world in general does not truly recognize or accept their Creator and Saviour; in their heart of hearts their innermost thoughts are mesmerized by a sometimes pleasant, but unsatisfying semi-stupor of various idols, things that engage their attention during their short lives. Many, not so easily satisfied with shallow or half-hearted living, see the need for harmony in society, yet are not willing to worship the God who created this order, consisting of families and nations. Instead they turn the focus of worship upon their own specific nation, organization, family, or individual hero or heros, whom they deem superior to others. This form of competition permeates and saturates the whole of society.

God has warned of this in His first and second of the Ten Commandments and also in the tenth or last. “Thou shalt have none other gods before me. . . . Thou shalt not make thee any graven image. . . . Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, . . . or any thing that is thy neighbour’s” (Deuteronomy 5:7, 8, 21).

We are assured in 1 Timothy 6:6 that “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

The apostle Paul tells us that we are not to compare ourselves with each other: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).

James tells us that the lust for the things of others brings about such things as battles and contentions. “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:1–3).

Instead of allaying (or putting at rest) the warlike competitive spirit which breeds national pride and prejudice between different nations, organizations, teams, and so on, it in fact builds it up and progressively increases friction, resentment, and finally some kind of war, whether physical or spiritual.

Should Christians be directly engaged in the competition of this world? 1 John 2:15–17 says, “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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

We are engaged in a different type of competition in which all are to contend. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24). While avoiding the spirit of competing against others, we are still to exercise the intensity of the effort. World class athletes strive for victory. “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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:25–27).

We fight, not each other, but sin and Satan. Jesus explained, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36). Paul affirmed, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8). We remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Where shall we find our pleasure—our intense satisfaction and enjoyment in a well-balanced Christian life?

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” “that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God;” “redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Matthew 5:6, 16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 5:16–21).

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God” (Psalm 42:1).