I used to LOVE college football! I can’t remember ever missing a game being played on tv. As a matter of fact, I liked it so much that at 18 I decided to get the team logo as a tattoo on my ankle. Everything I owned, from the clothes I wore, to the cars I drove represented the teams colors! I enjoyed feeling like I was part of something and when I would see another fan it was as if we were family or something.  I see absolutely nothing wrong with football or any sports fan for that matter, but for myself, I had to step back and ask myself if what I was proclaiming the most was God centered. At the time of me being numbero uno fan, I wasn’t placing God as my numbero uno Father. I actually realized later in life that my loving football was actually considered as me worshiping another idol, simply because God was never even 5th or 6th on my list of must do’s. Not only football but many things in my life, I discovered were actually idols. Our early disciple Luke explains when Jesus was tempted in the desert how we should talk back to Satan when we are tempted to worship other things.  ‘‘Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Luke 4:8 I had to ask myself; am I serving this team? Yes, I was. I wouldn’t step foot into a church or even give a thought to Jesus’s love for me but if a game was on, I was THERE!

It took time in my Christ walk for me to realize how important it was to keep God first in everything I do. I would like to encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself, what idol have you placed in front of God? I am by no means saying you have to quit doing things you love, its just important to remember that we wouldn’t have the things we love if Christ didn’t first love us. So what does that look like for my college football love now? I made the executive decision to allow Christ to be first in my life in everything I do and the way I do that is by always being receptive to the Holy Spirit. No matter if I am rushing or even late, if He says stop and talk/help someone….. I do just that! If I am out with my family or out with girl-friends, I always listen and look for things God needs me to  do. Does that make it difficult to have a good time wherever I am and whatever I am doing? Absolutely not. See, if Christ is aligning my steps daily, I know that no matter where I am or who I am with, Joy is there. If I am walking in love, I automatically have joy and peace. Then ask yourself what loving, joy filled, peaceful person do you know that doesn’t also have patience, kindness, and goodness? With all of these you know your faith is activated because it takes faith knowing that Christ is going to walk you through some sticky situations life hands you daily. That much faith requires you to be meek  and have self control! All of these follow you walking in Christ’s love that He offers all of us (even when we feel we don’t deserve it.) put them on a platter and you’ve got yourself a serving of the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” 

Prayer; 

God, we are so thankful for the love you have for us. We are thankful that you loved us so much that you gave your son so that we could have eternal life if we believe. God I ask that whoever is reading this gets the strength they need from you to remove idols and place you as number one in their lives, let your name be lifted high. God I ask that any strongholds be broken and for temptation to flee in Jesus name. Amen.