Football Season and Your Faith

 
College Football season in the Deep South is a time-honored tradition.  Coaches and players started preparing the day after last season ended.  They invest significant amounts of time recruiting the best athletes that will fit their system.  Players put a tremendous amount of time and energy learning the playbook, following a conditioning plan, and, getting to know their teammates and coaching staff.  The goal is simple:  They are working hard to put their best product on the field for opening day.
 
What about the fan base?  They too spend an impressive amount of time and resources preparing for the start of the season.  Many will purchase season tickets, parking passes, tailgate dues, hotel rooms, food and gas.  The fan sacrifices much to support their favorite team.  I know one person who cuts yards to pay for his family’s season tickets.  Remember, college football is a family tradition passed down from generation to generation.  What’s not to love?  Cooler weather, great food and catching up with family and friends.
 
So, how does college football season affect our faith?  Here are a few suggestions that might allow our faith and football season to co-exist:

• • Keep a healthy perspective.  At the end of the game, remember it really is just a game!

  • Keep your witness and faith in the stands and while tailgating.  Mature believers refuse to return rude behavior with more rude behavior.

  • Keep your commitments to God and your church.  Football season should not send your faith or church attendance into a nosedive.

  • Keep your relationship with Christ in top priority. Resolve to give your relationship with Christ equal or greater time and energy as you give your favorite team.

I hope your team has a great year!  More to the point, I pray you carry Jesus with you to see your favorite team play.  Oh, and come Sunday morning, I pray everyone will join with other believers and worship Jesus, as passionately, if not more so, as we cheered our favorite team onto victory.
 
When it comes to faith and football, it does not have to be an either/or.  Actually, it can be both/and.  They can easily coexist when we keep each in proper perspective.  Here’s to hoping your favorite team has a great year … unless you’re playing the Eagles from Southern Miss!

Dr. Mark Byrd and his family reside in Madison, MS. He is married to the former Mary Kraft of McComb, and they have two daughters, Anna Kris and Allie. Mark has served churches in Mississippi for over 25 years. He received degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His greatest passion is preaching, teaching, and discipleship. Mark enjoys attending sporting events, participating in community events, and spending time with his family. Mark and his family love serving with the First Ridgeland family.

Image by Keith Johnston from Pixabay