Sports and Morality

The uproar about the awful officiating of the Arkansas Florida college football game has led to an unprecedented step by the SEC: the public suspension of the ref crew for two weeks.

In case you are not a fan, or missed, www.hogdb.com has a great summary. Suffice to say that unranked Arkansas (my alma mater for undergrad) outplayed the number 1 team in the nation most all of the game. In the last quarter, the refs spotted the ball forward about a yard, whihc gave the Gators a first down. They called a pass interference totally backwards, against the Razorbacks. Then they called a fictional personal foul against the Hogs. Then they let them kick the game wining filed goal after the play clock expired.

Even some Gator fans acknowledge some of this, as does the Southeastern Conference, who said that some calls had no evidence at all. Even some Hog haters are upset.

Why?

Because even opponents expect fair treatment. It is deep down. A Bad call on any team elicits from the crowd a chorus of angry "Boos."

Where did this deep sense of right and wrong come from?

God created us.

Deep down, he placed "eternity in our hearts." All societies enjoy similar moral codes because of the principles God place within each of us, whether we acknowledge Him or not.

And that is how even SEC football can lead to a devotional.

I think most folks can accept an All-good God; or even an All-powerful God... but not both at one time.. that's where the rub is...
Is He good but ineffective to prevent evil? or is He is powerful enough to stop it, but chooses not to and thus seems less than good? 

This is at the base of many religious questions and problems, in my opinion. The end of Psalms 92 reminds us that "He is upright and there is no wickedness in Him." 

Yet, the psalmist reminds us of his power and knowledge in Psalm 139:7-10

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? 
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; 
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, 
your right hand will hold me fast.


So, we all have a choice. If you choose that God is Not all Good, YOU have become the JUDGE of the Creator God!!! Your version of good does not even always agree with your neighbor or the height to cut your grass or your wife on choice of restaurants. How does one decide what is good? That we do not hurt someone? Shag carpeting meets that definition. Surely we can go deeper. 

God is all Good and all Powerful. He loves you. This world is broken and He will heal it and can heal you. But He will never violate your free will and your choices.   There is hope in none other. Cry out to Jesus and He will show you great and wonderful things. Or, you can try it all your own.... How's that workin' out for ya? Life is short, eternity is LOOOONNNGGGGGG.. choose wisely. see John 3. 

Dave