Cities shut down for it.  Streets are closed for it.  People rearrange meetings for it.  Schools close for it.  Businesses tell their employees to take time off for it.  The chatter about this event seemingly goes on longer than any event most have ever focused on.  You would think it had eternal consequences.  You would think this event is indeed life changing for all the souls that have ever existed in the universe.  While it may change a career or two, it will never change any person’s eternal destiny.  Millions of dollars are invested in this event without much thought about the outrageous lack of stewardship.  Am I speaking of the Resurrection or Second Coming of Jesus?  No, I’m referring to the Super Bowl.  If you live where I live, you would think the Super Bowl is the most important event in the history of mankind.  Yet, it’s a game.  It is nothing more than a mere game.

What would happen if we would center our words, thoughts, and deeds on things that matter?  What would we talk about?  How would we spend our money?  How might our schedules be prioritized if we were focused on heaven?

For starters, we would love God more.  When we realize all of what God has done for us, we should appreciate Him more.  Reflect on what it means that God sent His one and only Son to forgive our sins.  Think about all of the blessings God’s hand has delivered to your doorstep.  Allow gratitude to swell in your heart and mind when considering God’s mercy withholding from you all of the judgment you deserve.  All of this and more will foster a deepening love for your Creator.  Focus your life and love on Jesus.

Second, we would love others more.  Tasks and events may be important, but people matter most.  There will be millions watching the Super Bowl game and commercials every winter.  Thousands of parties will be planned around the spectacle of the game itself.  Friends will be gathered in living rooms all over the world to chomp on chips and root for their favorite players.  The Super Bowl gathers many together.  There is nothing wrong with this.  Yet, what might be better is if we gathered together and went through life together because we cared about each other, not because we need an excuse to get together.  In other words, in this case – do we love others or do we love a sporting event?  I think I know the answer and the intent is not to create analysis paralysis.  To be clear, love Jesus and others more than you love yourself.  Love them more than you love the temporary things of life.

Third, we would sweat the small stuff less.  It’s true that we all navigate life in “white water.”  The pace of life does not allow us to discern what is important and what is not.  Everyday life is a blur.  We make a big deal out of things and events that won’t last.  We find ourselves in discussions that seem important, but really won’t matter five minutes after they conclude.  Perhaps we need to implement the meaning of Philippians 4 more.  It is kind?  Is it true?  Is it right?  Think on things that are important.  Mine for the “gold” of life’s important stuff and throw away the “dirt.”

I will be watching the Super Bowl even though God’s favorite team will not be on the field this year – the Colts.  However, I want Jesus Christ to be the “Super” focus of my life and witness always.

- Dr. Jim Dunn

Tags: article, Current Events, formation, Jim Dunn, super bowl

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