As a pastor I often come across professional people (entrepreneurs, athletes, students, entertainers, full time ministry workers) that ask me questions about the posture a Christian should adopt when it comes to competition in the market place.

Does and can the Gospel speak into our natural inclination for competition?

I believe that when it’s done in line with the reality of the Gospel it brings forth the ultimate goal of the Gospel which is, the full flourishing of all things. When it’s done out of line with the Gospel, it reproduces the outcome of the fall — the deterioration of life, institutions and, society.

So, what would the Gospel have to say about it?

It’s not about being the best but doing your best.

The Gospel quenches your need to receive the approval of others. It shows you that in Jesus you have received the applause of God regardless of how you perform. Striving to do your best is honoring to God because, whether it’s a passion, a gift or, an ability you possess, it has all been given to you by God. To use them intelligently, responsibly and creatively is bottom line — good stewardship. And stewardship is worship. God is glorified by the beauty, creativity or strength your performance is able to display.

It’s not about constructing your own net worth but, working out of your true self worth.

The Gospel reveals to you that your true worth comes not from of an extraordinary gift or ability to stand out from the rest but, from the fact that you’re a child of Abba. In God’s opinion you stand out because when he sees Jesus when he looks at you and because that’s true, you have nothing to prove to anyone nor any need to justify your existence (as we often subconsciously do when we compete). That’s the most important raw material you have to work with and so, you work out of it. If you work out of this mentality you will feel less pressure when you perform, you will take more risks, you will have no need to cap on your competition’s weaknesses and, you will recover faster when and if you lose.

It’s not about eliminating the competition but building it instead.

The Gospel reminds you daily that you’re an unfinished work of grace. The Gospel always keeps you in touch with the fact that you are an imperfect sinner. If you’re honest, you will have to admit that there are numerous areas in your life that need improvement and competition often helps you to see it clearly. It’s a great master. Competition helps you to stay humble, to develop discipline therefore, help you to grow. This may sound weird but you want to encourage and push others to do better for the common good of all.

I guess you can say that in the end, good competition is about collaboration.

The ultimate hope of the Gospel lies in the fact that everything will be made new. This means that when there’s healthy competition in a particular industry (including the ecclesiastical -  even though I don’t know if you can call it an industry) life flourishes and society thrives because there are always new initiatives, new solutions, fresh approaches, excitement and, renewed hope for a better days to come.