Another Super Bowl is in the books, and I have to confess. I didn’t watch it. Neither of my two teams made it so I really wasn’t vested in the result. However, that didn’t keep me from checking online to see what the score was every now and then. And, as we all know, the Super Bowl is more than just a game between two football teams. There is the competition for the best commercial, the coveted half-time show slot, and, most important of all, the Puppy Bowl. So, of course, I went online after the fact to check all of it out. Some were praiseworthy. Some controversial.
Since 1967, when the two conferences merged, the Super Bowl has been played to determine the ultimate champion. When it began to take on “super” status as a tradition, I’m not sure, but the tradition includes team attire, BBQs, snacks—lots of snacks—parties, and betting pools.
Some say we spend too much time and money celebrating athletes, and that is probably true, whether it is the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Olympics, or World Championships . . . but we should recognize an individual’s or a team’s accomplishments, just as we should in any venue: music, writing, science, etc. These are God-given gifts. These are people who have sacrificed and worked hard to make the most of their talents.
However, as one individual has commented, “The emptiness of sports is felt most in victory.” (Josh Becker)
And this brings us to the most important point. If victory, or being the best, is the only goal (in any venue), then it’s moment is fleeting, because immediately it is over.
BUT—if it is an opportunity to praise and glorify God, then it can have eternal value. I was gratified to see Nick Sirianni, coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, use his team’s victory on this national/international stage to give credit to God in his post-game interview. Not for the victory per se but for the talent He provided for the team.
Every achievement or win can be hollow if it is only for the glory of self. But if we truly cling to I Corinthians 10:31: “whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God,” then victories and achievements can fill us with joy and bring light to the world.
"Let your light shine among men that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven" Matthew 6:16.
Since 1967, when the two conferences merged, the Super Bowl has been played to determine the ultimate champion. When it began to take on “super” status as a tradition, I’m not sure, but the tradition includes team attire, BBQs, snacks—lots of snacks—parties, and betting pools.
Some say we spend too much time and money celebrating athletes, and that is probably true, whether it is the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Olympics, or World Championships . . . but we should recognize an individual’s or a team’s accomplishments, just as we should in any venue: music, writing, science, etc. These are God-given gifts. These are people who have sacrificed and worked hard to make the most of their talents.
However, as one individual has commented, “The emptiness of sports is felt most in victory.” (Josh Becker)
And this brings us to the most important point. If victory, or being the best, is the only goal (in any venue), then it’s moment is fleeting, because immediately it is over.
BUT—if it is an opportunity to praise and glorify God, then it can have eternal value. I was gratified to see Nick Sirianni, coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, use his team’s victory on this national/international stage to give credit to God in his post-game interview. Not for the victory per se but for the talent He provided for the team.
Every achievement or win can be hollow if it is only for the glory of self. But if we truly cling to I Corinthians 10:31: “whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God,” then victories and achievements can fill us with joy and bring light to the world.
"Let your light shine among men that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven" Matthew 6:16.
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