This is the weekend registering the fewest weddings, the highest antacid sales and the most call offs from work the following day.
Yes, it’s the Superbowl. Commercials during this big game are even more popular than the contest on the field. Fifty-eight percent of viewers surveyed claim to take bathroom breaks during the plays versus the commercials.
I’m a lot more into the “Superbowl Of The Spirit.” This is really the biggest game in town since our spirits last for eternity and this contest only goes a couple of hours. How many of us can even remember who won the Superbowl five years ago? Or last year?
The great apostle, Paul, was talking about the Superbowl of the Spirit when he queried the Galatians using the language of track & field: “Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth” as you ran toward the goal line in the “big game” of life (Galatians 5:7).
The guys who were trying to tackle the Galatians on their run for the goal were all about making the Galatians EARN their way into acceptance with God through doing good works; even religious stuff like rituals, giving to the poor, and obeying the Ten Commandments.
Paul said that was a perversion of what Jesus said really makes us winners with God.
Jesus cleared the path perfectly as lead blocker to get us God by sacrificing his body on the Cross. He stepped in and took the hit for us because we were not good enough. Have you accepted Jesus’ sacrifice? Have you followed him leading us downfield toward the goal--God Himself?
Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one gets to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
I frequently challenge people, after we’ve talked trivial and temporary things, to make sure they’re taking good care of that part of them that will last forever--their spirit. I tell them it’s about FOLLOWING Jesus’ lead, not just believing in him.
Stay focused on the “Superbowl Of The Spirit.” There are no commercial breaks. The game clock will run out too soon. The outcome matters forever.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our yes on Jesus…who for the joy set before him endured the cross…consider him who endured such opposition…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:16; Hebrews 12:1-3).
