Trouble Idolizing Sports Team

[Christian4252]

So I follow this college football team way too much. To the point that it is idolatry. It is probably most of what I think about. I always check on their fan website to see any new updates on things. I have always been a fan but it really started about 4 years ago.

This isn't to brag: but I am probably in the top .01% of crazy sports fans. I have gotten into heated arguments with people who have insulted my team. I try to go to about 2 games a year even though I have to travel several hours to watch the games (they are not too close to where I live). I have known this is an issue for the last couple years. I think I even received a dream from God that Satan is using this to keep me from focusing on what is really important (my faith). As a believer, I know this isn't OK and I want to fight against this.


I used to wear their clothing most days of the week, but I decided (couple months ago) to only do it once a week to try and cut down. I have gotten to the point where I don't want to wear their gear at all (except on occasion, about twice/month). But my fandom still lives on deep down.

I decided a couple weeks ago to not look at anything related to that sports team online for 5 days. I totally failed on the first day. So then I tried to go just one day, and I lasted about 5 hours (which is good for me).

I then had a thought that maybe I could apply the techniques I have seen people quit smoking cigarettes. Instead of trying to stop cold turkey, go to vaping or cigars first then slowly cut that down. So now what I am doing is not looking at anything related to that team on my phone. Computer only. Do this for awhile then try to cut it down on the computer. Do you think this is ok to kind of still delve into my idolatry in order to ultimately cut it out?


I know idolatry is a sin and there is no way I can be ok with this. I know God is not ok with this. I feel like it is a part of my nature. I know I should be praying and studying God's word more. My relationship with Jesus should be my ultimate obsession. I do make sure to attend Church every week and I have recently started fasting every Sunday. But this obsession is still there. Any ideas on how I can overcome this? Thanks!

 

[Albion]

It doesn't sound as though your team has become an idol to you, Christian. Maybe it would be good to cut back on the intense interest or loyalty, but this isn't idolatry in the religious sense.

 

[Sketcher]

Personally, I have found that if I stop playing computer games but still allow Internet browsing, I'll spend that time doing Internet browsing instead. If I stop anything on my computer but allow playing on my phone, much of that time will go to playing on my phone. I leave to you whether or not this lines up with what you're after.

Now, focusing on the problem itself:

This isn't to brag: but I am probably in the top .01% of crazy sports fans. I have gotten into heated arguments with people who have insulted my team. I try to go to about 2 games a year even though I have to travel several hours to watch the games (they are not too close to where I live). I have known this is an issue for the last couple years. I think I even received a dream from God that Satan is using this to keep me from focusing on what is really important (my faith). As a believer, I know this isn't OK and I want to fight against this.

I know idolatry is a sin and there is no way I can be ok with this. I know God is not ok with this. I feel like it is a part of my nature. I know I should be praying and studying God's word more. My relationship with Jesus should be my ultimate obsession. I do make sure to attend Church every week and I have recently started fasting every Sunday. But this obsession is still there. Any ideas on how I can overcome this? Thanks!

If you've gotten into heated arguments with people who have insulted your team, I doubt that an equal obsession with Jesus will represent him well. I suppose we could liken this to Peter before he cut the servant's ear off, or James and John asking to call down fire from Heaven on the Samaritan village that did not welcome Jesus. What you do with your highest obsession needs to be sanctified, not just what your highest obsession is (and your first love should always be the Lord).

 

[thecolorsblend]

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[Christian4252]

If you're not literally worshiping them as tho they're literally God, it's not idolatry.

I'm not sure I can get with that one. I would recommend asking God on this one. But I believe anything that you care about too much can be idolatry.

 

[thecolorsblend]

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