The Vancouver Olympic Games have featured premier athletes competing for the coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals. What’s your take on competition—is it a good thing? Should Christians compete? Why?
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nashjah on February 23, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Most assuredly, you should be willing and waiting to share God’s Word no matter what walk in life you take. Athletes, fans and those who love competion need Christ just like everybody else. If we had more professional athletes who are rich and famous yet humble and share a Christ centered life, we would have the right ingredients for “true role models”.
Unsophira19 on February 23, 2010 at 4:11 pm
If, I am correct, I believe the “Olympics” go back to pagan origin in Ancient Greece were many pagan gods were worshipped. I think its good to have training in the arts and sports and whatever gift God has given you,to excel in. It makes you happy and enables you to bring enjoyment to others that are observers and also be a help to others. However, a Chirstian needs to be on guard respecting his time and goals in life. His or her primary goal should first be to please and love God and give daily time to that end. Any activity that you have to give extremely large amount of your time to can make you become unbalanced in your Christian walk. You may begin to neglect spiritual things of great value like prayer,study of God’s Word and association with other Christian believers,and slowly drift away from the Faith.Seriously, the Devil is out to destroy the Christian anyway he sees he can. So be on guard for anything that may take too much of your time.Let God be your 1st priority,if we don’t we may fall into covetedness and then “we” will become our own “God.” Instead of Our Wonderful Creator, who made all things good. Be vigilant,mentally alert to the snares of the wicked Devil and put on the complete spiritual suit of armor from God (Ephesians 6,Holy Bible) I hope these words maybe of help to you.God bless you.
bethanyF on February 24, 2010 at 7:27 am
This makes a lot of sense. Thanks.
ShelleyAnn on February 23, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I think its a wonderful way to celebrate our world and bring it together. I do not believe in winning at all costs, ie: drugs, unhealthy or unbalanced lifestyles. I think the commradery shown between the ice dancers of Canada and USA was truly the most amazing example of the Olympic spirit of competition. The Olympics should always be a celebration of our humanity and spirit. Even when dreadful things occur as they will. In any given day bad things happen. There have been several other examples of the amazing spirit this particular Olympics has done for our Country (Canada) and the world.
bethanyF on February 24, 2010 at 7:29 am
I think competition is good if it can be friendly. The Lord wants us to love each other as well.
Hippityhop53 on February 24, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Competition in and of itself is not bad nor does it distract us from the “race” that is set before us. That is unless it consumes all our thoughts and desires and it gets to the point where nothing else matters, then there’s a problem. Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossia in 3:17 that whatever we do should be done in the Name of Jesus Christ. Later in verse 23 he reminds us again of doing whatever we do with “all our heart” or passionately for His glory and honor. Athletics is a great place to share the gospel of Jesus with others but if we aren’t careful it can become all that matters under the guise of sharing the gospel with others. I know this personally as I have had to “give up” sports so that God could have first place in my heart and life.
bright on February 24, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I think if its Gods plan for christian to compete then he will set it according to his plan .In competion I think we will learn a lot of things ,meet up with a lot of friends and fans,also we know that one will win and one will lose.So the main thing is we have to be geered up and be fit to win the race.the process and produres you have come through shall gurantee you for a position in the race .after you have run the race then you surely know where do you stand.To me as christian we also have a competition to compete through our journey with the lord we will be face by alot of life promblem,So the more you follow the bibles advice and start practicing it with prayers old heartedly then you can see the change in your spirit life.Its same thing when you train for atheletic or sports competition you become fit and your body change because of the diet you have to take….so we have role to play in all competition as a christian or as a player.
ladyinblue72 on February 26, 2010 at 3:37 pm
My husband and I have been married for almost 5 years. He recently admitted to having an affair with an old girlfriend. He says he doesn’t love her or want to be with her but he doesn’t want to be with me either. He says our marriage is broke and it can’t be fixed. I am open to trying to restore our marriage in spite of the affair but he wants no part of it. I am hurt, angry, scared, and confused but I am trying hard to not be angry with God because I truly believe if he doesn’t lighten my load he will strengthen my back. I am here asking for prayers that God will heal my marriage or give me the peace and comfort I need to continue on.
thecandis24 on February 27, 2010 at 10:52 am
I recently had a metor go through the same thing I’m not sure if her husband cheated on her but he did tell her that he wasn’t in love with her anymore. My prayers do go out to you. I know this is not an easy journey to take, but whatever happens trust that God will turn this scar into a star. For whatever satan or anyone else use for bad God will use it for good!
beckgirl on February 26, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Hey ladyinblue-God Strengthen you. May you find the grace, love, and forgiveness for whatever path your husband chooses to take.
I hope that he comes to his senses and does God’s will. Oh, i’m sorry; Everyday thank God-your a trooper*
Hugs to you.
May your love overcome evil, In Christ Jesus name I pray for your marriage. Amen
Jenny
thecandis24 on February 27, 2010 at 10:43 am
If we are to compete let it be to out do each other in servant hood, so that we can distinguish ourselves from the world and they will know that we do not belong to it. Bottom Line, We have to be careful not to indulge ourself in the world’s self gratifications. John 1:10 “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him”. God gives us different talents, but overall it is for the same purpose the question should be how are we giving him glory with our talents. My best freind just made history at our university by being the first anglo-saxon queen at that unversity. In order to get that position she had to compete, but shse believe that God called her to do this. In the mist of it she did not compromise herself or her beliefs and many people respected that about her. Most important she was able to use that as a plateform to win more souls for Christ. She probably could have gone about it a different way, but the point is she felt led to do so. I don’t believe having the talent to compete in the olympics is a problem: however, I would like to know how we can honor God with it?
Dan on February 28, 2010 at 11:46 am
“Chariots of Fire” (1981 Movie) – The story of two British track athletes, one a determined Jew, and the other a devout Christian (Eric Liddell) who compete in the 1924 Olympics. Quotes by Eric Liddell: 1) ‘You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It’s hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape – especially if you’ve got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you’re dinner’s burnt. Maybe you haven’t got a job. So who am I to say, “Believe, have faith,” in the face of life’s realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.” If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.’ 2) “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” 3) “God made countries, God makes kings, and the rules by which they govern. And those rules say that the Sabbath is His. And I for one intend to keep it that way.”
Juan on February 28, 2010 at 12:58 pm
We shoud compete to prepare ourselves mentally spiritually, and physically for the biggest competion we face the fight of good over evil.
thecandis24 on February 28, 2010 at 8:18 pm
In 2006 A movie called facing the Giants came out. It was a very powerful movie that mixed the gospel with American football. I believe that sports can be used to bring people to the cross. I personally like swimming it brings me closer to God. However my original statement was to adress people individually. How are you glorifying God? If you choose to race and feel that this brings you closer to God while allowing you to have an audience that you can preach the gospel to then Amen. I am all for it. The problem is that many Christians can get too caught up in wanting to win that God is no longer a priority and self gratification or the desire to have it, takes over. Now it is fair to say that anything used can turn into glorifying one’s self, but I also think that somethings are more of a stumbling block than other things. Which are which depend on the person. God has made us different, but expects the same from all.
bethanyF on February 24, 2010 at 7:29 am
I like what you said Matthew.