February 1, 2015
Super Bowl Sunday

“But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9

Another Super Bowl, another time the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots each have reached the pinnacle of NFL achievement, and another time that controversy hangs over the dome of sports in America. But I am not going to talk about “DeflateGate” today – because in the whole scheme of life, it really doesn’t matter. The Patriots and the Seahawks have made it to “The Big Game” and that is that. So what if they cheated – either team, right? Most football purists and analysts would say something like “Any edge you can get against your opponent is justified” or “It isn’t illegal until you are caught”. In my mind they will have once again missed the point – the fact that this is another example, for the youth of America about the danger of our “win at all costs” mentality – or as the above text would suggest, it is one more “stumbling block” for our youth.

Now, I also do not care about the commercials, mostly because they show so many of them on the internet before Super Bowl Sunday so that it takes away the mystery, and the fun. So today I say “No Thanks” to the Superbowl. Spoiler alert – I saw a porcupine on TV who has correctly picked the winner of the Super Bowl for the last three years, and he picked…..(wait for it)….the Seahawks to win – so – no need to watch.

In this era of “anything goes” living, we often throw up our hands and accept the outcome of whatever it is we have devoted our money, our time, and our allegiances – even if we suspect something just wasn’t right – that can’t “take the air out of”, or yes I will say it, “deflate” our support. In fact, during a recent worship event at my congregation, the good people were engaged in a heated discussion, some using the argument that “everyone cheats, so we need to stop complaining.” As a parent and a pastor, I am constantly aware of and constantly fighting the battle of the numerous, often conflicting and even damaging messages that our society sends to our youth. Our society places such high value on sports participation and viewing, that we must take the opportunities that present themselves when a situation that is a potential “stumbling block” occurs. So this does give me the opportunity to discuss with my nine-year old daughter the complications of living in 21st century America – as if this is an easy time, after witnessing the shootings in Paris; the airplane crashes in the Java Sea and surrounding area; and the daily stories regarding Movie, Television, Political and Sports figures who succeed and fail in spectacular fashion – which thanks to the 24 hour television cycle is broadcast relentlessly. I can talk with her about the many stumbling blocks that living a life of faith will throw at her. We always need to take advantage of those teachable moments.

So, Happy Super Bowl Sunday. I think I will go to the bowling alley – at least there the “pin heads” are easier to knock down.

Pastor Dave