Another football season is upon us. I love my football team. I watch all their games on television with intense excitement and razor focus. I live and die with each play. When they win I am in a good mood for the entire week. When they lose it takes days for me to come out of my funk.
I am fully aware that this is silly — it’s just a game. The outcome has no direct effect on my personal finances or well-being; it doesn’t help or hurt my family and loved ones; it’s not going to cause a global crisis.
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It has often occurred to me that such passion and emotion over a football team are probably a waste of energy. So why do I feel this way? Why do millions of fans share the same fervor?
Connection
It must be about connection. Something in your life has attached you to this team; you are part of them. You may not wear the jersey and the pads, but you, and the thousands of screaming fans in the stadium, take the psychological hits right along with the team. You belong to this group. There is something that makes you feel secure being part of an effort greater than yourself. Your team is the good guys, and the other team is the bad guys. They must be defeated. The common goal unites you, and that feels right.
Body of Jesus Christ
Sound familiar? I’ve basically just described being part of the Body of Jesus Christ. It begins with something in your life establishing a connection to Jesus and His saving grace. Once you make this commitment, you are part of a greater good. You recognize more clearly the difference between good and evil. Evil must be defeated.
Seeing good in the world brings you joy. Observing tragedy and need makes you sad. You feel compelled to get involved, to help, to be part of the team. You enter the security of knowing God’s will for your eternity.
You belong with this group. It feels right, and it’s worth getting excited about.
Psalm 20 says, “May we shout for joy over Your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” Yes, Scripture tells of “victory.” God’s team wins in the end!
That’s one game you don’t have to stress over.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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