Seldom do I watch sports. In fact it has been years since I actually sat down and watched an entire game from beginning to end. I have nothing against sports or anyone who watches sports religiously; I am not “too spiritual” to watch a ball game as some may believe. I just prefer doing something else more edifying. Today I was watching the news and the sports highlights were filled with Labron’s usual showcase of just embarrassing opponents even while injured. When ever I see Labron who for his age is simply a phenom, and others alike who have these extraordinary abilities in the realm of sports I think about how man has always exalted other men (& woman) for their abilities as opposed to exalting the God (Christ) who gave them their abilities. Labron, Jordan, Sareena, Woods… they all wouldn’t be able to do what they do unless God gave them the power & ability. Of course they will never attribute their ability solely to Christ alone but rather their own ambition, passion, or training. One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is Psalm 39:5-6 which says, “Behold, you have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely man at his best is a mere breath. Selah. Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing: He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them (NASV). If you know anything about the character and the attributes of God you will know He is a Jealous God, and His glory He will give to none other because He is that worthy and awesome above everything that is visible and invisible, in heaven or on earth (Isa 42:12, Exodus 20:5). I believe one of the reasons why God can care less about who wins the Super Bowl is because men exalt and worship players and athletes because they can do something.. run fast, shoot a ball through a hoop, jump high, hit a ball, catch a ball… yet they have no power or ability to do anything apart from God. If God took away their breath, they would be nothing. All God has to do is allow one particular bone to break in a certain area of the body, one single vertebra to shift slightly, and their career will be over. It has happened before in the lives of many athletes. And not only athletes but child prodigies, scholars, theologians, musicians, actors, doctors, architects, engineers, inventors, business men, even pastors… and they are exalted and lifted high, but what about God who created them? If we are amazed at their abilities why aren’t we more amazed at the God who created them and gave them their abilities? The Bible from the beginning reveals mans inclination for idolatry and the Apostle Paul makes it clear when he says in Romans, “ Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is bless for ever (Rom. 1:24-25). Amen. This is what people are doing. People wear shoes with these athletes names on it, jerseys.. what they are doing is exalting the athlete. Have you ever begun to worship God in praise while watching Michael Jordan or Labron? While watching them do what they do have you sat in front of the television and said, “Look how awesome God is; look at how God has strengthen his legs to jump like that. God you are awesome, God you are so worthy?” I believe God is grieved when He does not receive glory, praise, and worship for all that He does.
