Beyond self-expression?

I am a strong proponent of many success and motivational strategies that emphasize self-mastery, self-direction and of course our basic human need of self-expression. But how far can we really get by our-self? I believe the “can we be a “good person” just for the sake of being a good person” debate is an important one to consider. Can effective core values be centered around only ourselves? What much of the “self-help” and motivation literature seem to minimize or leave out completely is the inevitable transition from “self-help” to “God’s help.”

In the same breath then, when we consider this ”self-expression”, are we really just expressing ourselves? I have been playing competitive sports since I was 5 years old, and I am a stronger believer in the many vitally important values of athletic competition, most notably what is discussed below.

This article was recently given to me and I wanted to share it with you guys:

When you think about the word “competition,” do you picture two individuals or teams engaged in a furious struggle? Many people seem to think of it as such these days — and sometimes even with a touch of viciousness as good sportsmanship surrenders to a powerful drive to win.

The word “compete” is derived from the Latin com, together and petere, to seek. Aren’t we and our opponents in a sense “seeking together” to express our  abilities as fully as possible? Seen in this light, competition is one way to express our native God-given skills.

The heart often provides a better yardstick of success in competition than a final score. Numbers don’t always tell the true story. Which is the true victory: winning 5-4 in a sloppily-played game against a weak team, or losing 5-4  in a well-played game against one of the best teams around? The deepest satisfaction should come from a greater demonstration of competence — more of the alertness that comes from Mind, the joyful cooperation derived from Love, the consistency of Principle.

In God’s universe there can be no ruthless competition, no warring elements, for all is the one infinite Mind in which all ideas express total harmony. And the more we love and obey this Mind, the better our job of demonstrating this harmony will be. Paul the Apostle declared, “all things work together for good to them that love God.” (1)

These spiritual facts can have direct bearing on our attitude towards sports. We can view competing as a form of cooperating because two teams – or two individuals — are actually working together to test each other’s competence and prod one another to improve. Our goal in sports, as in every area of life, should be to express more of God’s qualities every day. And don’t we tend to progress more rapidly toward this goal when we have the challenge of competition to spur us on? From this standpoint, our opponents are friends, not enemies.

How should we treat these “friends” when we play against them? Just as we would treat any friend — with respect, friendliness, and perhaps with open appreciation for a well-executed play, but especially with a determination to show them the very best we have to offer and in turn to draw the best from them. For if we are not doing our best, we are not expressing our innate ability to the fullest. We’re not doing all we could to glorify God.

We can’t afford, either, to view our opponents with disdainful contempt. That’s how Goliath viewed the Israelites. Odds-makers would have favored the big fellow, but, as you know, haughtiness got him nowhere. We can’t afford to be like the Israelites either — psyched out and admitting defeat even before the opening bell. Instead we have to be like David, who didn’t indulge in comparing mortal appearances but dedicated this effort to showing the world God’s power.

Any appearance of overwhelming opposition isn’t something “out there” against we are helpless. A statement of Mrs. Eddy’s from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures can help remind us of this: “We must look where we would walk and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being.” (2) It doesn’t matter if the apparent obstacle is a state champion opponent, poor weather conditions, a fluky turn of events (which tempts us to believe in luck rather than in God) — the circumstance can’t stop us from doing our best, can’t rob us of dominion. Courage and humility “bind the strong man,” the false mentality that argues limitation and suggests fear; for courage stands up to the foe, mortal mind, and humility stands aside and lets the divine Mind express its own glory.

Growth in Christian character is the single most important outcome of athletic competition. In addition to developing courage and humility, competition can promote our practice of other important qualities. Patience with fellow players and unwavering encouragement of them — especially when they seem to be struggling — exercise the kindness that builds true friendships. Someone eager to be given more playing time or to win more matches may need to show grater self-discipline and persistence, qualities essential to the successful practice of Christian Science. By wrestling with the discouragement and defeat, the young athlete has the chance to develop the steadfastness needed to persevere during life’s crises — even a faithful clinging to God, a refusal to fold under material pressures.

These are just some of the values of athletic competition. Anyone striving to better express God-given qualities through sports is a victor, never a loser.

1. Rom. 8:28
2. Science and Health, p. 264

- Mark William Hendrickson

(The Herald of Christian Science Vol. 33, No. 1)

 *Thank you so much to Susan Jackson for sharing this article.