Oregon Shouldn’t Be # 1

Undoubtedly the most exciting thing in recent memory (if ever)  to happen in these parts where I currently live is that the University of Oregon Ducks football team, for the first time in school history, is the number # 1 ranked college football team in the nation.  That’s very big news, especially around here where Oregon has no pro team and the closest NFL market is Seattle (not a bad team, just not the Broncos).  People around here are going nuts, especially after last night’s big 60 – 13 win at home against UCLA which solidified Oregon’s # 1 ranking.  Everyone (it seems) is wearing Duck memorabilia.  Everyone (it seems) is talking about the Ducks.  If my mind isn’t playing tricks on me, it seems that people are even making quacking noises as part of their “normal” conversation.  

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of football.  I’m not a fanatic or anything like that.  You won’t see me shirtless (the TV networks have requested that I keep my clothing on) with my face painted at a game anytime soon but I, like many Americans, enjoy keeping up with the game.  I grew up in Denver during the John Elway (third highest passer in NFL history with 51,475 yards) era so I understand very well the hype and hysteria that goes with football.  I love a good nail biter as well as a blowout, so I write this as a fan of football as well as a menace in fantasy football leagues.

I’m certainly not the first to comment on how football has become something of a “religion” in America.  If an idol can be defined as an object of worship, football in America for many people has become an idol.  That’s a problem, especially when professional athletes are making disgustingly exuberant amounts of money while the majority of Americans struggle paycheck to paycheck.  It becomes a bigger problem when football becomes sacrilegious.  For example, somehow (I think it was given to us) Renee and I came across this kids Duck shirt promoting Autzen Stadium that reads, “Let us bow our heads and play.”

Needless to say, that bothered us a bit and our five year old won’t be wearing that.  I don’t think that’s the message we ought to be sending our kids.  Oregon, or any team for that matter, shouldn’t be # 1 in our lives.  Jesus Christ needs to be # 1.  He ought to take preeminence above anyone and anything else!  He is the One we worship, He is the One we celebrate, He is the One we serve.  No quarterback gave his life to save yours.  No fullback has ever answered your desperate prayer.  No linebacker ever worked the miraculous in your life.  If Americans were as committed to Jesus Christ as we are to football, we’d be well on our way toward becoming a Christian nation once again.  If we gave as much money to missions or compassionate ministries as we spend at concession stands, we’d certainly be making a positive difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.  If we were as faithful to our churches through thick and thin as we were to our favorite football team through their highs and lows, it would certainly speak volumes of our faithfulness to the Lord.  If we were as passionate about faith as we are about football, I know with certainty that we would begin to experience the blessings of God in our lives.  There is nothing wrong with football (unless of course you cheer for the Raiders and the Cowboys) so long as football or anything else for that matter does not take the supremacy in our lives that ought to be rightly reserved for Christ and Christ alone!