Sports Superstitions

I've had my own sports superstitions over the years. One of the most recent was that I had to cheer for teams I wanted to lose, because God was always out to strike down my idols. Thus, I cheered for all teams playing against the Bulls. I've particularly cheered for the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, and Mavs. Most recently, I've cheered for the Pacers. Yes, I'm well aware that God knows my heart's true desires, but I'm silly like that.

Recently, me and a friend of mine came up with a theory that declares we cannot watch sports games together for which we are cheering for the same team. Of course, this is because we've watched sports together decently often enough to record many losses.

Unmentioned are the wins. We were definitely watching together when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. The losses just stick out, because we care so much. And that's why tonight, as the Blackhawks are playing either to go on or go home, and the Bulls try to finish out the series, my friend and I were not planning to watch them at an event hosted by another brother of ours for members of our fellowship.

Our superstitions essentially consist of little practices that we have which we think will somehow make the powers that be allow our team to win. Essentially, it means we aren't at peace with whatever God might bring about, and idolize our desires (team victory). For those that claim, "It's not for me, it's for the team/city/people!" To them I say that you have place some measure of self-worth in those identifications. Perhaps, God has His designs within even athletic competition, including the times when we lose. When prioritized over Christian fellowship, the sin of superstition becomes even more grave. We must not give up meeting together and we must give up the self-idolatrous practices of superstition.

I decided, finally, to throw off the yoke of superstition. I am going to Justin's house.