I am a Christian. And… I Am Very Competitive.

Can We Talk About This?

I’m a Christian. I love Jesus. I want to live like Him.

And… I am highly competitive.

It’s not that I don’t want others to win—actually, I love seeing the underdog pull ahead. But deep down, I like to be the best. I like being the most, the favorite, and the best, and I definitely liked winning that big award at work last year.

I look humble on the outside, but inside? I can be pretty full of myself.

And honestly, it’s not a part of my character that I’m proud of. I know pride is a sin, and I wrestle with it.

How do you change when you’re competitive, but you also want to honor God?

If you feel this tension too, you’re not alone.

Competition Isn’t Always Bad

Wanting to do your best isn’t sinful. God created you with drive, focus, and passion, and these qualities can be used for His glory.

Paul wrote:  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23

Hard work and striving for excellence are good things—when your why is rooted in honoring God, not self-glory.

When Competition Turns into Pride

Here’s where it gets tricky:

·         Competition becomes sinful when it fuels pride.

·         It becomes harmful when it leads to comparison or envy.

·         It becomes idolatry when our worth depends on being the best.

Winning is not a sin, but letting it puff us up is. “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

Why We Crave Being “The Best”

Sometimes the drive to be the best comes from deeper places:

·         A desire to feel valued.

·         A need to prove yourself.

·         A fear of being overlooked.

·         An identity rooted in achievements rather than in Christ.

If we’re honest, we all want to feel seen, loved, and valuable. But when our worth is tied to winning, we will never feel secure, because there will always be someone who outperforms us.

How to Change

You don’t need to kill your drive; you need to redirect it.

Check Your Heart
Before pursuing something, ask: Am I doing this for God’s glory or my own?

Celebrate Others Genuinely
When someone else wins, practice gratitude and encouragement. Your value isn’t diminished by someone else’s success.

Confess Pride Quickly
When you feel yourself puffing up, confess it to God. He will help soften your heart.

Root Your Identity in Christ
You are loved and valuable even if you never win another award. Your worth is anchored in being God’s child.

Serve Quietly
Practice acts of service where no one sees or praises you to build humility.

Give God the Glory
When you win, thank God for the gifts, opportunities, and strength He gave you.

Practical Steps to Redirect Your Competitive Spirit

·         Pray: “Lord, help me use my drive to serve You, not myself.”

·         Journal your motivations before big opportunities.

·         Intentionally highlight others’ wins publicly.

·         Take breaks from situations that fuel unhealthy comparison.

·         Memorize Scriptures on humility and identity in Christ.

A Prayer for the Competitive Christian

Lord, thank You for making me passionate and driven. Help me to use these traits for Your glory, not for my own pride. Show me when I am letting competition become idolatry, and help me to celebrate others genuinely. Let my worth be rooted in You, not in what I achieve. Amen.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re a Christian woman who struggles with pride and competitiveness, you are not alone.

God isn’t asking you to stop being passionate or to stop trying your best. He’s asking you to trust Him with your worth, celebrate others, and redirect your drive for His glory.

Winning is fun. Excellence is good. But humility and love matter more.