The more involved with the world and its entertainments, the less involved with spiritual values.  ….and that is presenting tremendous problems in America, and within the Lord’s church.  We are majoring in minors and minoring in majors.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness;  and all these things shall be added unto you.”   Matthew 6:33

I’m sure that you have noticed it as well.  Sports are now 24/7/365.  Nothing is wrong with physical activity for young people. But there is a huge problem that has invaded millions of homes, and in particular, the Lord’s church.  Children start very early being involved in T-ball, little league, soccer, basketball, football and the activities continue to increase taking time and attention away from the home, away from learning more about God’s Word.   At times the thought comes to me if our country is not purposefully separating, and indoctrinating children and parents.  The more the sports, the less spiritual values.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.   Deuteronomy 6:6-9

The Old Testament was written for our learning.  God’s nature has not changed.  He thought it important to teach children under the Jewish Law.  He wants us to teach our children the New Law.  His view of sin, of families, of teaching, of being an example, of placing value on that which is eternal has not changed.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”    Romans 15:4

I am seeing more and more practice for these games, and this continues on through high school and on into college.  We are teaching children that sports and entertainment are more important than  spiritual values.  We cannot be everywhere at once.  There are only so many hours in the day and something will have to give way or be eliminated to make time for those things on which we place importance.  Never mistake that you are not teaching your children where you place your priorities.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”     Ephesians 5:16-17

There is another problem.  I have co-workers speak of this many times.  Some of them coach these children and the parents get into actual fights, verbal exchanges over the games these children are playing.  Children are watching and hearing all manner of anger and cursing between coaches and parents and parents with parents.  It has gotten out of hand.  What started as something good, teaching children sportsmanship has morphed into ugliness at the games themselves.

Pro football now starts their pregame show right before worship.  I have seen congregations eliminate an evening service to watch the Superbowl.  Year after year more and more importance is placed upon these games.  Reminds me of Rome…..and Rome fell due to their decadence.  An inside job.

“The most popular amusement was watching the gladiatorial combats in the Coliseum.  They were attended by the poor, the rich,and frequently the emperor himself.  As gladiators fought, vicious cries and curses were heard from the audience.  One contest after another was staged in the course of a single day.  Should the ground become too soaked with blood, it was covered over with a fresh layer of sand and the performance went on.  The drive for personal pleasure had become very intense, even to the point of obsession.  Gibbons noted that, at the very end, sports had become more exciting and brutal.”

“The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”    ~ Edward Gibbons

“Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6

Where are your priorities?

“More sports for everyone, group spirit, fun and you don’t have to think, eh?  Organize and organize and super organize super sports.   More cartoons in books. More pictures.  The mind drinks less and less.”      ~ Bradbury

Eileen Light