Wired for Worship

What is it about the American love of sports that results in Shohei Ohtani getting a 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $700,000,000?  This sets a record for professional baseball. Before Ohtani struck this deal, the highest-paid MLB player was Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels (he has a 12-year contract for $427,000,000).  And the Philllies superstar Bryce Harper, who’s on a 13-year contract for $330,000,000, is not far behind.

Our family got a taste of sports-mania a few months ago when the Phillies peaked in the playoffs (before they fizzled):  it felt like we were getting to know the players:  nothing like Schwarber hitting a laser “Shwar-bomb” into the right field seats!  And, of course, the last few weeks we’ve groaned over the ailing Eagles (now just how effective was that change of Defensive Coordinator?).

Oh well, it’s only a game!  Or is it?  (Speaking of college football, will Michigan or Washington take home the trophy on Monday?)

Yes, it’s just a game.  But it taps into something inside us—a deep yearning to applaud greatness.  Fact is, you and I were made for worship:  we need to worship!  God formed us in his image (Gen. 1:26-27) with a capacity to know and trust and praise his all-satisfying, everlasting Magnificence.  It’s our ultimate calling.

But how often do we lose our bearings and allow lesser wonders to displace the glory of God?  We should learn from the angel who says, “Don’t worship me!  Worship God” (Rev. 19:10; 22:9).

Now, I’m not against sports:  we learn important life lessons via athletic pursuits (just think what valuable insights Jalen Hurts is gaining about fickle human praise!).  But don’t confuse the good and the great; don’t confuse the Creator and the creature.  Go ahead and cheer for your favorite team—and then step back, look up, and remember the Superhero of the Universe, who achieved the most spectacular victory of all time:  the defeat of sin and death, through Christ, for us!  All praise to Christ the Champion!