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See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

Last year I did a number of posts about the Superbowl.  The links to those posts are listed below. While I don’t want to revisit all that was said in those posts here, I do want to draw your attention to combination of sport, spectacle and motivational manipulation that is the Superbowl.

Even in a down economy NBC is getting 3 million dollars for 30 second commercial during the game. These commercials  tell us much about what advertising industry leaders think will motivate viewers to action.  The Superbowl remains a cultural extravaganza. For Christians it should be a time of prayer and concern for a culture that is lost and becoming more lost. This event is about much more than sports. It is about life in America, 2009.

It is important to help your children see that this massive spectacle is a veiled cover for a troubled time. Yes, the pageantry will be extravagant, the hype will be overwhelming and there might even be a good football game. But at its core, the Superbowl is about how important we think we are as a culture. Use this time to show your children the shallowness of the spectacular.  Look for unsaved friends to whom you can reach out with the beauty of the gospel.

Superbowl Post 1
Superbowl Post 2
Superbowl Post 3

Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

The Olympics are winding down this weekend. There have been many successes and many disappointments. Michael Phelps grabbed the attention of the world by winning 8 gold medals and setting 7 world records. Usain Bolt was equally impressive, setting three world records by winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes and the 4x100 men’s relay. The U.S. Volleyball teams are playing for gold after a tragic start to the games. But there are heartaches as well. The images of those who lost are as haunting as those of the winners are jubilant. The U.S.4x100 relay team efforts were forever defined by the video footage of a dropped baton rolling aimlessly across the lanes of the track.

Whether you watch the Super Bowl or not the game is important to you as a Christian parent. This annual spectacle tells you a great deal about the world your children inhabit. Proverbs 7 shows a parent looking out his window at the world around him. This father used the view from his window to instruct his son about the dangers of life. The window of your television affords you the same opportunity and obligation. In addition to the game you can learn much about the world around you from the commercials. These commercials cost approximately 3 million dollars for a 30 second spot, and that does not include the production costs. The companies who sponsor these commercials believe that they will appeal to what motivates Americans. It is safe to assume that these sponsors don’t see an America that has a Godward  orientation. Chapter 3 of Shepherding a Child’s Heart speaks powerfully to this issue. The principles of this chapter have implications for your children:  Their hearts are not neutral. Who will they worship? What are their treasures? — to name a few.

Above all else, guard your heart,
     for it is the wellspring of life.

In this second look at Super Bowl XLII I want to examine morality and spectacle. Solomon’s warning to guard your heart and, by implication, to teach your children to guard their hearts is one that must not be neglected. Paul addresses the same theme in Ephesians 6 where he speaks about spiritual warfare. With regard to our hearts we are never in a neutral zone or a demilitarized zone (DMZ). The enemy is always lurking. Since Satan is the Deceiver his attacks are seldom obvious. Cultural spectacle is one way to deceive us. As we noted in the last post, spectacle tends to move us beyond morality.

It is perhaps easy to think that an event like the Super Bowl doesn’t have a major impact on our families. This is precisely why it is important to heed Solomon’s warning! Your children are growing up in a world where biblical morality is deemed irrelevant. This is powerfully illustrated by how Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, is portrayed. The media focus is on his passing skills, his leadership, his strong work ethic, his winning record, his good looks, his supermodel girlfriend, and his devotion to the infant child he fathered with his previous girlfriend. I have heard more than one sport commentator say, he has it all. ESPN.com is currently running a two part series on Brady. One of the subtitles reads a perfect life … with insecurities.

The message of Proverbs 4:23 is an ominous, as well as a gracious, warning.

Above all else, guard your heart,
     for it is the wellspring of life.

There is urgency in these words of Solomon. Above all else carries an ominous tone. The Holy Spirit is saying, “Pay attention!” The warning is also gracious. You are being told what is really important. Parents, you must faithfully and frequently give this warning to your children.

The reason for warnings is that dangers often come when they are least expected. This weekend’s Super Bowl is no exception. After the infamous half-time “wardrobe malfunction” the NFL vowed to make the game more family-friendly, but I don’t think the league had Proverbs 4:23 in mind when they made that promise. The real dangers are more subtle and pervasive than those from which the NFL will guard you.