They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Romans 1:25, ESV)
Last weekend there was one of the most amazing finishes in a football game ever. The Minnesota Vikings won on the last play of the game. The fans were ecstatic and filled with elation. It was so exciting, even some people’s fitness watches were falsely reporting that these fans were having heart attacks due to an elevated heart rate.
I also watched a video of a fan of the opposing team throwing his 65-inch television off a balcony after the crushing defeat. So much emotion! So much passion! Crazy stuff!
But at the end of the day, it is a game. My life is largely unaffected whether my team wins or loses. It is fun. It’s great to be enthusiastic about living life, but there are certainly more important things in life.
God gives us sport, entertainment, food, art, and for our enjoyment. In many ways, these things are a foretaste of what is to come. But there is a line that is easily crossed. When the fate of our team determines our outlook, it has gone too far. When we are more passionate about the created things, rather than the creator, our passion is misplaced. What if we applied our passion to something that really mattered?
One of my Facebook friends, Derek Broten, director of the LCMS National Youth Gathering, posted the following. I think it sums it up well:
I was fascinated by watching clips of Minnesota fans celebrating the “Minnesota Miracle” ending to the game last night that brought a team from death to life. I woke up asking, Have I ever celebrated and worshiped like that for the “Resurrection Miracle” that brought me from death to life? I want to be part of a church that worships Jesus like that! It starts with me!
Reflection
- Where does your passion for things in life surpass your passion for God?
- How do you check your passion for lesser things?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for your goodness. Thank you for the things you give me to enjoy in life. Forgive me when I have become more passionate about the created things rather than you, the creator. Give me a heart of worship, that celebrates the greatest miracle of all – the resurrection. Amen.
Stephan Diggs after making the winning touchdown win & speaking with a commentator gave all the glory to God for the win and his ability. He did this each time he was interviewed. I think this is worth noting in your blog of what is most important. It would seem to me Stephan Diggs # 14 does.
Amen! Good to hear that. It’s great to see athletes use the platform God has given them to express their gratitude to God – like the kid that quarterbacked Alabama in the National Championship game. To God be the glory!