Religion -noun
1. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices
2. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience
A lot of people are religious, even if they don't attend church. I'm also very aware that there are many people who aren't at all religious in the traditional sense--but, like it or not, most are religious. No, really.
May I suggest that there is a religion that has recently become apparent, even though its many, many practitioners aren't aware of such? It's actually an organization which has been around for decades, in point of fact, and most people, despite their vocal religious affiliation, are actually devote followers of this new faith more readily and zealously than they ever were of any prior faiths?
Sports.
Le gasp! How dare I mock the sacred event called sports? (May I point out that if any of you are offended that I mock this, it only further proves my point.)
In my own religion, despite its definite appointment that Sunday is a holy day where one should rest from worldly cares and focus on the Savior, most men (and women too) make Super Bowl Sunday a special "exception", justifying it easily. Never mind it can be recorded and watched the following evening.
Granted, my religion also supports choice. Heaven (literally) forbid agency be taken away. We are taught certain Godly laws and principles, and then are given the choice whether to obey or not. It is a much-debated point whether the Super Bowl is actually not within keeping the Sabbath holy, although it really oughtn't be such a point for debate, if people were truly honest with themselves.
Even outside of organized religion, how many people that you know (perhaps yourself included) take time out of life's essential matters (family, for instance), to watch that important [insert sports name here] event.
Is there something wrong with enjoying sports? Certainly not. But once again it comes down to how much time is spent pursuing the sporting world rather than our own lives, families, jobs, or religions? What responsibilities are shirked in the name of the Almighty Football?
Life is about moderation. We should pursue hobbies which we enjoy--there isn't anything wrong with that. But balance is essential for a healthy, happy life. If sports is causing a conflict with your other priorities; if sports is causing a rift between you and your significant other; something is wrong. Now is a good time to step back and examine how much time you spend pursuing your own hobbies, versus those of someone else, or versus the other goals and responsibilities you have in your life.
Any hobby which can cause harm to your family relationships or career should not become a central point in your life. On the other hand, if sports is helping bring your family closer, by all means, pursue it, so long as the purpose is a happy family, not a worshiped football.
Balance, balance, balance.
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