Unless you have been living in a cave, the local buzz lately in Indiana has been obvious: Colts, Colts, Colts. Every section of the newspaper finds a way to connect their stories to the Colts and their exciting run to the Super Bowl on February 4th.
I’m a big sports fan. I like the Colts. I’ll even jump off the couch and holler after a Peyton Manning throw to the end zone. However, it is important to keep “the game”, and any game, in its proper perspective.
The perspective I am referring to is making sure “the game” does not become a higher priority than “the Lord.” Christians are told to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matt. 6:33).
Yet, some may be tempted to miss worship on Sunday evening in favor of catching the first couple minutes of the Colts game (haven’t you people heard of tivo?). While the world may call it “Super Bowl Sunday” let’s remember Christians regard Sunday as “The Lord’s Day.”
An opportunity to assemble, worship and pray is an opportunity to “stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24-25). Yet, how discouraging is it when some would rather sit in front of a lifeless TV set?
So, to keep the game in its proper, lesser status
than our role in the church, please consider the following questions.
Who has been a better friend to you: the Colts or the Lord (see John
15:13-14)?
Will God care more about our show of love for the Colts or our brothers and sisters in Christ (see John 15:12)?
Which is greater: the temporary joy of playing in a Super Bowl or the eternal joy and assured love obedience to God brings (see John 15:9-11)?
Which opportunity will help you bear fruit for the Lord in the coming week and in your life: watching Super Bowl commercials or hearing more about Jesus Christ (see John 15:1-8)?
May we never be guilty of putting the trivial and temporary in front of the sobering sacrifice of our Lord. I’ll be rooting for souls to turn to Christ this Sunday. How about you?
Think about it.
January 2007