The Dangers of Competition and the Christian Race

The spirit of competition is a snare of the enemy that fosters selfishness, creates discord, and distracts from the high standard of the Christian raceCG 293.4+2. It is a perversion of true education and a manifestation of the carnal heart that seeks self-exaltation rather than the glory of GodCG 293.4+2.

The Danger of Rivalry and Emulation

• Root of Evil: Appealing to emulation and rivalry in education fosters selfishness, which is the root of all evilCG 293.4.

• Spiritual Stagnation: A spirit of competition and contention retards spiritual advancement, grieves the Holy Spirit, and injures the soul6MR 127.1+1.

• Satanic Influence: This spirit is not from above but is earthly, sensual, and inspired by the powers from beneath to weaken the people of God James 3:1514MR 290.1+2.

• Idolatry of Opinion: Those who are combative and set their opinions above others often fail to realize that their wisdom is inferior to those with more experience2T 163.1+1.

The Christian Race vs. Worldly Games

While worldly competitions only allow one person to win a perishable prize, every person who runs the Christian race with faithfulness may obtain an incorruptible crown 1 Corinthians 9:24-25CH 47.1+2.

• Preparation: Just as ancient athletes practiced rigid self-denial for ten months to be in the best physical condition, Christians must practice temperance and discipline to keep the body in subjection 1 Corinthians 9:27RH October 18, 1881, par. 2+1.

• Certainty of the Prize: In the heavenly race, there is no risk or uncertainty; if we do our very best and keep the Pattern—Christ—before us, the prize is secureCH 47.1+1.

• Self-Denial: Running this race requires us to renounce our own wisdom, sacrifice self-righteousness, and put away every darling indulgence that hinders progressMYP 56.1+1.

Competition in Institutional and Social Life

• Publishing and Ministry: A spirit of rivalry in sacred institutions, such as publishing houses, crushes the missionary spirit and drives away ministering angels14LtMs, Lt 148, 1899, par. 1+1.

• Politics: Mingling with the contending elements of politics awakens a spirit of strife that quenches the Spirit of God in the heart3MR 41.1+2.

• Social Display: A lamentable spirit of rivalry is often seen in matters of dress and household expenditure, where people strain to meet the claims of custom and fashionAH 150.5+1.

• Amusements and Sports: Games such as football or bicycle racing often arouse a spirit of strife for the mastery and encourage selfish gratification6MR 127.1+2.

The Path to Harmony

• Holy Emulation: The only true emulation is a holy desire to show others tender sympathy and love, striving to reflect the character of Christ3SM 16.2+1.

• Seeking Excellence: Instead of trying to excel others, we should seek excellence to fulfill the purpose of the Creator and receive His likeness1MCP 70.1+1.

• Unification: We are called to unify on the basis of truth, putting self out of sight so that Jesus may appearCCh 288.4+2.

• Meekness and Love: The leaven of truth does not produce a desire to be first; rather, it makes the heart kind, thoughtful, and humble in its opinion of self2SAT 115.2+1.

By subduing self and resisting the spirit of variance, you can walk in the path of peace and serve the Lord Christ with a single heart Colossians 3:23-244T 134.2+2.