1 Our idols are identified by what we do with our money and our "spare time". For many, this is sport, which is expected to give us entertainment and a sense of excitement. I find it sad that we pay our elite sportsmen and sportswomen the highest salaries (along with actors, our other entertainers), far more than our leading doctors, scientists and others who actually contribute real benefits to society. This shows what society values the most. There is a degree of worship given to these "heroes" of sport. Besides this, sports and entertainment, keep me from using my time in more valuable ways.
2 I have also had to question what draws me into such strong feelings that my team must win (especially when it is a team to which my children belong). When I identify with a team, then their victory somehow becomes my victory, (especially if it is my children's team that wins). This somehow makes me feel better that others, which is nonsense really and is not the attitude Christ wants me to have.
The more I hang out on this planet the more I'm impressed with the marked difference between what is celebrated in this world as the greatest, and what Jesus tells us we are truly blessed for being. We celebrate the headline makers that are exalted over all also-rans, while He extols the unknown and disaffected that quietly go about bringing the kingdom of shalom without drawing any attention to themselves.
Two thoughts.
1 Our idols are identified by what we do with our money and our "spare time". For many, this is sport, which is expected to give us entertainment and a sense of excitement. I find it sad that we pay our elite sportsmen and sportswomen the highest salaries (along with actors, our other entertainers), far more than our leading doctors, scientists and others who actually contribute real benefits to society. This shows what society values the most. There is a degree of worship given to these "heroes" of sport. Besides this, sports and entertainment, keep me from using my time in more valuable ways.
2 I have also had to question what draws me into such strong feelings that my team must win (especially when it is a team to which my children belong). When I identify with a team, then their victory somehow becomes my victory, (especially if it is my children's team that wins). This somehow makes me feel better that others, which is nonsense really and is not the attitude Christ wants me to have.
The more I hang out on this planet the more I'm impressed with the marked difference between what is celebrated in this world as the greatest, and what Jesus tells us we are truly blessed for being. We celebrate the headline makers that are exalted over all also-rans, while He extols the unknown and disaffected that quietly go about bringing the kingdom of shalom without drawing any attention to themselves.
Makes one think...