God and the Superbowl
Sun 06 Feb 2011 Filed in: Reflections
God probably doesn’t care that the Packers won the Superbowl (or as someone I know has called it, the Super-who-cares-bowl). Lots of people care, particularly in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, but I don’t think it’s real high on God’s list of things to get excited about. However, I think there is something about the big game in which God does take delight.
It was a short phrase uttered to a reporter by a Green Bay player in the wake of the game that reminded me of that: To God be the glory he said. Is it really possible? Can God be glorified by an overhyped football game played by overpaid players who think that dowsing their coach in Gatorade is a good thing to do? Strangely enough, it turns out that the answer to that question is yes.
A teaching colleague of mine a few years ago liked to remind us that every act was an act of worship. He is right. When we who love God use what God has given us to do whatever it is we do with excellence, God is pleased. (Remember last month’s “Whatever and the Web” blog?) I don’t think God would be particularly impressed if I suited up and tried to score a touchdown; my athletic ability is such that it would not be done with excellence, and my goal would more likely be survival rather than the glory of God. But when I use well the gifts He has given and offer the result to Him, He is delighted.
To God be the glory is not just a convenient phrase. It is a way of life. What a staggering privilege is ours to delight the heart of God - and He doesn’t care what uniform we’re wearing.
It was a short phrase uttered to a reporter by a Green Bay player in the wake of the game that reminded me of that: To God be the glory he said. Is it really possible? Can God be glorified by an overhyped football game played by overpaid players who think that dowsing their coach in Gatorade is a good thing to do? Strangely enough, it turns out that the answer to that question is yes.
A teaching colleague of mine a few years ago liked to remind us that every act was an act of worship. He is right. When we who love God use what God has given us to do whatever it is we do with excellence, God is pleased. (Remember last month’s “Whatever and the Web” blog?) I don’t think God would be particularly impressed if I suited up and tried to score a touchdown; my athletic ability is such that it would not be done with excellence, and my goal would more likely be survival rather than the glory of God. But when I use well the gifts He has given and offer the result to Him, He is delighted.
To God be the glory is not just a convenient phrase. It is a way of life. What a staggering privilege is ours to delight the heart of God - and He doesn’t care what uniform we’re wearing.
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