What Is Your Super Bowl?

At the start of each NFL season, most teams have their sights set on winning the Super Bowl. Coaches motivate their players to work hard, so they can accomplish the major feat of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Players are judged differently after they win a ring, and there is an immense value placed on championships. Plenty of players preparing to step on the field Super Bowl Sunday have yet to experience the excitement of winning on the largest stage. These guys have been dreaming about this moment since playing Pop Warner as kids. When listening to them talk about the Super Bowl, they want to win badly. They realize the monumental impact it would have on their lives and are consumed with doing what it takes to become Super Bowl Champions. As we are all aware, this requires enormous dedication with countless hours in the film room and on the practice field. Little else matters and they don’t want anything getting in the way of the opportunity to grasp that coveted trophy. The sports world, and even society, have elevated the Super Bowl to unbelievable heights. The standard of success in winning the Lombardi Trophy is so important that it has become an idol for those involved. It’s worshipped in a way that requires a full commitment from those in pursuit. As easy as it is for an NFL player to get wrapped up in desiring a Super Bowl ring, we must also be aware of the “shiny objects” that fight for our full attention. If we aren’t careful, we can fall into the trap of idolizing anything from on-field accomplishments to a new car to landing the dream job. All of our thoughts, conversations, and efforts go toward our desires. Just like the Super Bowl, these things aren’t necessarily bad. But when they become our idols and total focus, they replace God as our greatest love and devotion. We’re chasing satisfaction in something else. If we’re consumed by acquiring that “one thing,” or excessively driven to making something happen in our lives, we can end up devaluing our relationship with God. Our own “Super Bowl win” becomes the ultimate prize, while our worship and commitment to God get pushed aside. The Bible addresses this in 1 Corinthians 10:14 (AMP): "Therefore, my beloved, run from idolatry ." We can love God, follow Jesus, and still “win Super Bowls,” but we must constantly check our hearts to determine our motivation and what we consider most important. When we’re satisfied in Christ and pursuing His will, we may get the “Super Bowl ring” along the journey. However, if we don’t, we’ll be okay because we have Him and the assurance found in Mark 8:36. “…what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world , and forfeit his soul?” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess there are times that I want something so badly that it consumes all of my thoughts and efforts. As a result, I’m not focused on You. I don’t want to love anything more than You or allow anything to become more important than a full commitment to You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.