In chapter 8 of Business for the Glory of God, Wayne Grudem talks about competition. Competition is not inherently evil, but rather, it is good. It is right for us to strive to take dominion over and be good stewards of our possessions. It is proper for us to desire to do our job well and with excellence.
A competitive system is one in which we test our abilities and find if we can do something better than others, and so be paid for it. The system works well when we reward better work and greater quantity of work with greater reward… In fact, if you have ever shopped around for the lowest price on a shirt or a computer or a car, your actions show that you approve of competition in the economy, because you are making competition work.
By encouraging competition, we encourage others to fulfill their callings and be good stewards.
Grudem is very balanced. He notes that competitions can also bring temptations to sin. Grudem explains that there is a difference between trying to do a job better than others and trying to harm others and prevent them from earning a living. He also warns us to watch for pride.
The constant theme throughout this book is that God can be glorified in business if we seek Him first. Grudem gives a brief but thought-provoking systematic theology on the moral goodness of business. I was reminded that Christians are needed in all types of occupational fields. We must seek God’s glory in whatever we do and do it well. (Find out more about this book here.)
