The other day, while walking through Wal‑Mart, I came across something that truly troubled me—a cross made out of drink boxes, stamped with the NFL logo. Seeing a symbol of our Savior blended with a sports brand made me pause and think.

I often wonder if football has become an idol for many. People can talk about football for hours, yet struggle to speak a single sentence about Jesus. Scripture reminds us, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35). We naturally speak about what we love most. And anything we place above God becomes an idol.

Some even choose to stay home from worship on Super Bowl Sunday. That certainly suggests that football has taken a higher place in their hearts than the Lord. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with enjoying the game—playing it or watching it. But we must guard our hearts so that football never comes between us and God.

What a tragedy it would be to miss the blessings God longs to give simply because we were too busy watching a game to gather with His people, share our faith, or spend time in His Word.