Superbowl And The Christian
Some Thoughts
The Bowl
The Bible does not specifically address the Super Bowl or any specific sporting events. The Bible focuses on spiritual matters, doctrines, and guidance for living a righteous life. One that is Christ-oriented. It seeks to center our minds and hearts on the redemptive story of God and his son, Jesus Christ. It does not provide explicit instructions or guidelines regarding participation in or views on specific sports or entertainment events.
However, the principles found in the Bible can be applied to how we approach and engage with events like the Super Bowl as Christ-followers. Here are some general principles that can guide our perspective:
1. Balance and moderation: The Bible encourages us to have a balanced approach to life and to exercise moderation in our activities.
In Proverbs 25:16: "If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it."
This verse expresses a limitation on our desires and consumption in excess. The analogy of honey would speak of something delightful and enjoyable. Many men and woman enjoy football in this way.
The main thing is Being Mindful of Excess: While it is acceptable to enjoy the Super Bowl and engage in the festivities surrounding it, we should also be mindful of the potential for excess and idolatry.
We read in 2 Peter 2:19 “ For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” This is an important thing to keep in the front of our minds when caught up in the hype. Everything is under Christ and our joy in him.
It is important to avoid placing the game or any related activities above our love for God and our commitment to living a life that reflects His values, His will, and our outwardly expression of our joy we find in him alone.
2. Love and unity: The Bible teaches us to love one another and to seek unity among believers. (Philippians 2:2) When engaging with the Super Bowl, it is important to show love and respect towards others, regardless of their team preferences or opinions. It should be an opportunity to build relationships, enjoy fellowship, and promote unity. Football has no room for division among Christian brothers and sisters. If it does, we may need to reconsider our affections and heart.
3. Enjoying God's Gifts: The Super Bowl can be seen as an opportunity to enjoy the gifts and talents that God has given to athletes and entertainers. We can appreciate the physical abilities, teamwork, and dedication displayed by the players, while recognizing that these abilities ultimately come from God and should be used for His glory. Let us not worship the “creature” rather than the “creator.”
4. Integrity and morality: The Bible calls us to live with integrity and to uphold moral values. This means avoiding behaviors that are contrary to biblical principles, such as excessive gambling, drunkenness, or any form of immorality that can be associated with sports events. Guarding what we see as men is utmost important for fights against lust. We need to stay aware of these things. It is important to participate in such events in a way that aligns with our Biblical convictions and moral boundaries. Seek to exalt Christ in all we do. How can we celebrate football in such a way that makes others see Christ as most valuable?
As Christians, we are called to exercise discernment in all areas of life, including our entertainment choices. This means being thoughtful about the content and messages conveyed through the Super Bowl commercials, halftime show, and other aspects of the event. We should be discerning in what we watch and support, making choices that align with biblical principles.
5. Priorities and time management: The Bible emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our time and energy. While enjoying the Super Bowl can be a form of entertainment, it is important to ensure that it does not overshadow more important responsibilities, relationships, or spiritual pursuits. Do we find the same enjoyment in the word of God?
Ultimately, each individual's perspective on the Super Bowl may vary based on personal convictions, cultural context, and individual circumstances. It is important to approach such events with wisdom, discernment, and a desire to honor God in all aspects of our lives. Christ is our treasure. Let us see everything in this light.