Something to Ponder

Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 3-4

Scripture Focus: While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4.8)

Devotional Thought:  I love sports!  But as I watch sporting events on television, I sometimes wonder if we have not made sports a pseudo-worship experience.  The gods of Fitness, Victory, Performance, Championships, Win/Loss, and Playoffs demand our allegiance.  We pay homage to these athletic gods through billions of dollars invested in commercial advertising, sponsorship, and endorsements.  We work ourselves into religious-like frenzies to cheer on our teams.  We purchase season tickets, cable and satellite season passes, and billions of dollars of merchandise.  We wear team jerseys, hats – and even underwear! – promoting our allegiance.  Professional athletes are paid millions of dollars. Local sports leagues are available in every community.  Families pay supreme allegiance to the sports schedule, to meet the demands of an ever-increasing force to compete.

What would our churches be like if Christians had that same enthusiasm for worshiping Christ?  What would our communities be like if Christian families exhibited the same level of commitment to spiritual development and participation as is expected to competitive sports?  I did a quick online review of requirements for players, families and coaches involved in sports leagues.  We require more of little league coaches than we do of Sunday school teachers!  We are willing to sign participation commitment forms to be involved weekly in soccer practice and games, but we would think our pastor was asking too much for us to make a similar pledge to helping in the nursery.

What do we communicate to our children when participation in spiritual things is seen as secondary to athletics?  Reflect on the relative importance you give to spiritual development in your life and family.  Does it equal or exceed your commitment to fitness and athletics?

Something to ponder…

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for our physical bodies - health, fitness, and yes, sports.  Give us strong bodies, but also help us to maintain balance between our physical health and our spiritual health.  Help us to teach our children and model to our communities that spiritual health is important.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.97-104

97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.

98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.

101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.

102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.