Competition is a natural part of life, found in sports, business, and even ministry. As Christians, we are called to approach competition with humility, integrity, and a heart that seeks God’s glory. Rather than focusing on personal gain, our aim should be to reflect Christ’s love and purpose.
The Bible teaches that true greatness comes from serving others. Our desire to compete should not come from selfish ambition but from a desire to serve and honor God. In doing so, we keep our focus on something greater than personal achievement.
In all forms of competition, we must maintain humility. True success in competition is not in our own boasting but in God’s work through us. When we keep our egos in check, we remember that it is God who gives us the strength and abilities to compete.
Lastly, competition should not divide us. Instead of fostering rivalry, we are called to build unity and respect for others, ensuring that our competitive spirit honors God and strengthens relationships. Our goal should always be to encourage and uplift one another.
Preachers Quotes
“True greatness, true leadership, is achieved not by reducing men to one’s service, but in giving oneself in selfless service to them.” – Oswald Chambers
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
“Success is not what you have done compared to others. Success is what you have done compared to what God has called you to do.” – Tony Evans
“Run your race. When you compare yourself to others, you lose focus on what God has prepared for you.” – Joel Osteen
“Your only competition is the person you were yesterday. Seek to grow in Christ daily.” – Rick Warren
“Winning in life is not about beating others, but about fulfilling God’s purpose for you.” – Billy Graham
“The greatest victory is not in defeating others but in surrendering fully to Christ.” – A.W. Tozer
You might also be interested in: Bible verses about Living Life With Purpose
Bible Verses About Competition
1 Corinthians 9:24 – Strive for the eternal prize.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24
Philippians 2:3 – Have humility in competition.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” – Philippians 2:3
2 Timothy 4:7 – Finish the race with faith.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Colossians 3:23 – Compete for the Lord, not men.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” – Colossians 3:23
Hebrews 12:1 – Run with endurance.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your competition to the Lord.
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
Matthew 20:16 – The last shall be first.
“So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” – Matthew 20:16
Ecclesiastes 9:11 – Success is not by strength alone.
“I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.” – Ecclesiastes 9:11
Romans 12:10 – Honor others in competition.
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” – Romans 12:10
James 3:16 – Avoid selfish ambition.
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” – James 3:16
Galatians 6:9 – Do not grow weary.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9
1 Samuel 17:47 – Victory belongs to the Lord.
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” – 1 Samuel 17:47
Matthew 5:16 – Shine for God’s glory.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 Peter 5:5 – Be humble in competition.
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” – 1 Peter 5:5
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron.
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
Galatians 5:26 – Do not provoke one another.
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” – Galatians 5:26
1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight.
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
Psalm 37:7 – Trust in God’s timing.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” – Psalm 37:7
Luke 22:26 – The greatest must be a servant.
“But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.” – Luke 22:26
Proverbs 24:17 – Do not rejoice in your rival’s failure.
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.” – Proverbs 24:17
Matthew 23:12 – Those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Romans 8:37 – We are more than conquerors.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37
Psalm 118:6 – The Lord is on your side.
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” – Psalm 118:6
Isaiah 40:31 – Strength comes from the Lord.
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
James 1:12 – Endurance brings reward.
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:12
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Compete for God’s glory.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Psalm 20:7 – Trust in God, not in your strength.
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7
Matthew 6:33 – Seek first God’s kingdom.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
1 Peter 2:21 – Follow Christ’s example.
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21
Psalm 75:6-7 – Promotion comes from the Lord.
“For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.” – Psalm 75:6-7
Hebrews 13:5 – Do not covet success.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
Jeremiah 9:23-24 – Boast in the Lord, not in yourself.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me.’” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to worldly competition.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
Proverbs 21:31 – Victory belongs to the Lord.
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord.” – Proverbs 21:31
Psalm 60:12 – Success comes through God.
“Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” – Psalm 60:12
Deuteronomy 8:18 – Remember the source of your success.
“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” – Deuteronomy 8:18
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord’s direction.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
James 4:10 – Humility leads to exaltation.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10
1 Corinthians 15:57 – God gives victory.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57
Psalm 34:10 – Seek the Lord above success.
“The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” – Psalm 34:10
If you’re interested, here’s another article on: Bible verses about Growing Up
What does the Bible say about Competition
The Bible speaks to many aspects of life, including how we view and engage in competition. In its wisdom, the Bible teaches us about the importance of working hard, doing our best, and striving for excellence, but it also reminds us that competition should not lead to selfishness, pride, or harming others.
The Apostle Paul often used athletic metaphors to teach lessons about the Christian life, and competition is one of those themes. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul compares life to a race, urging believers to run with purpose and discipline, saying, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” This passage shows that striving for victory, whether in a literal race or in life, is not wrong. In fact, it encourages believers to give their best effort, maintaining focus and discipline.
However, while striving for victory, the Bible warns against allowing competition to become an idol or source of pride. Proverbs 27:2 advises, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” This suggests that in competition, we should not boast about our achievements. Instead, we should remain humble and allow our actions to speak for themselves.
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul calls us to humility and consideration for others, saying, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” These verses highlight the importance of competing with kindness and respect, without focusing only on our own gain. Healthy competition should not make us disregard others’ needs or well-being.
The Bible also teaches that we should not let the desire to win cause division. Galatians 5:26 says, “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” It’s clear that competitive behavior should not lead to bitterness or rivalry. Instead, believers are encouraged to work together in unity, even in competition.
In conclusion, the Bible encourages healthy competition as long as it is done with integrity, humility, and respect for others. Whether competing in sports, work, or life, it is important to maintain a spirit of love and not let the desire to win overpower the values of kindness and unity that God desires for us.