Turn on a game in the midst of the NFL playoffs (which I watch religiously) and the screen fills with zealous fans. Faces painted in team colors, elaborate outfits and loud cheering fills vast stadiums. All to support their favorites. In current culture, it’s acceptable to be zealous for sports.

Paul wrote on this topic—It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good…

Hmmm…I wonder if the NFL passes this test? I’m not sure much of what I tend to approach with rabid enthusiasm squeaks by. Chocolate? Coffee? Mexican food? Sports of all sorts?

Paul wrote to church members in Galatia who wrestled with their understanding of the gospel. These good people were in danger of abandoning the good news as taught by Paul and Jesus before him, and Paul spoke unfiltered into their issues. You foolish Galatians!

Zealous for gospel truth? Absolutely. We should watch our life and doctrine closely as Paul later reminded Timothy.

Zealous for football? Not as clear. But Paul wrote about sports—athletes competing to win and buffeting their bodies—so he paid attention. Which makes me think Paul would be fine settling in on the couch with a plateful of nachos and enjoying the big game.

Galatians 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Adrian Curiel