Today, sports have been on my mind. Put there by those around me. It seems like everywhere I’ve turned, someone was bringing up a game, a player, their kids playing sports, or a big match they just watched. This pattern made me stop and think, what it’s about sports that commands such attention and devotion? And what does that say about our society?
The Big Money in Sports vs. Real-World Needs
One of the first questions that comes to mind is, how do football players make millions while some rural hospitals can’t even stay open? It’s a jarring contrast that speaks volumes about our priorities. Athletes in major leagues earn staggering salaries, not because they cure diseases or educate future generations, but because they entertain. This isn’t to say their work isn’t valuable—it brings people together, creates joy, and even provides role models. But the disparity highlights an imbalance in how we allocate resources.
A coworker of mine often says, “Why can’t they build the hospitals we need like they build stadiums?” It’s a fair question. The billions of dollars poured into arenas and venues could transform healthcare systems, particularly in underserved areas. In my own experience working in maintenance at a hospital, I’ve seen how hard it is to get funding approved for something as basic as fixing a parking lot. Meanwhile, new stadiums, with state-of-the-art facilities and endless amenities, seem to spring up overnight. The stark contrast is a sobering reminder of where our collective priorities lie.
Why Do People Treat Sports Like a Religion?
This leads to another question that is, why do people treat sports like a religion? The parallels are striking. Fans gather in massive stadiums or in front of TVs like congregations at a church. They wear jerseys as if they’re sacred garments, memorize stats as if they’re scripture, and pass traditions down to their children.
The answer lies in the human need for connection and belonging. Sports provide a sense of community and shared purpose. They give people something to believe in, celebrate, and rally behind. For many, the ups and downs of a sports season mirror life itself—the victories, the defeats, the moments of brilliance, and the hard lessons of perseverance.
This devotion, however, can become problematic when it crosses the line into idolatry. As a Christian, I’m reminded of God’s command to “put no idols before Him.” When we elevate athletes or teams to a place of ultimate importance, we risk losing perspective. Men are fallible, and while sports can inspire, they should never take the place of our faith or our commitment to God.
Modern Stadiums and Echoes of the Roman Games
Reflecting on the massive stadiums we build today, I can’t help but be reminded of the Roman games. The gladiators of ancient times were the superstars of their era, drawing massive crowds to the Colosseum for entertainment. While the stakes aren’t life or death in modern sports, the spectacle remains the same—a grand arena where the masses gather to cheer, celebrate, and momentarily escape their daily lives.
But just as the Roman games often served as a distraction from societal issues, we must be cautious about letting sports blind us to the pressing needs of our communities. If we could channel even a fraction of the resources used for these modern-day arenas into healthcare, education, or public infrastructure, imagine the impact we could make.
Finding Balance
While the passion for sports is understandable, it’s important to consider its broader implications. When we idolize athletes and prioritize their industry over essential services, we have to ask ourselves: Are our priorities in the right place? Can we channel even a fraction of the energy and resources we pour into sports into causes that address critical societal needs?
Perhaps the lesson here is balance. Sports have an incredible power to inspire and connect, but they shouldn’t overshadow the importance of education, healthcare, and other fundamentals of society. By celebrating sports while also advocating for the betterment of our communities, we can create a more equitable world—one where both entertainment and essential services thrive.
In the end, sports are a reflection of us. They show us what we value, what we’re willing to fight for, and how we choose to spend our time and money. By being mindful of these patterns, we can enjoy the game while still keeping sight of the bigger picture—and always remembering to keep God and His teachings at the center of our lives.
