5+1 World Series Predictions

ESPN's descriptor of the World Series is spot on. Though they haven't a clue.

Sports are so riveting, aren't they? The word "riveting," of course, describes the quality of something to hold our attention or focus. In these United States of America, we are continually "riveted" by many, many things other than Christ. Think for a moment on the relative importance of the World Series in terms of the absolute importance of God. Perhaps you believe that baseball isn't all that big of a draw in your neck of the woods, well, praise the Lord for it. But I am certain you'll acknowledge that at least the "riveting" nature of one sport (pro football, perhaps) is a hinderance to the average believer. I know of at least one church in America that is described by some of its attendees as "NFL friendly," given the early, consistent Sunday morning service finish times. In fact, one particular church body on the East Coast recently celebrated a "Fan Day," where church folk wore the uniforms or fan gear of their favorite sports teams. Good people, good intentions, but I'm not sure I could preach wearing a Duke Blue Devils uniform or a David Ortiz Red Sox uniform. Seems a bit... counterintuitive.

So, here are my 5 World Series Predictions.

Prediction #1
-Some believers will opt to stay home from church tonight in order to watch this baseball game, and even invite friends to watch with them.

Prediction #2
-More than some will faithfully be in their places tonight but will permit their minds to drift toward the game, missing the critical portion of their pastor's message -you know, the point that "ties it all together."

Prediction #3
-More than many will check the scores on their smartphones during a service in which our focus is to be directed toward God.

Prediction #4
-A number of pastors will make reference to the World Series tonight and in fact hinder their own message because they will have distracted the "weaker brethren."

Prediction #5
-There are many whose emotions will be affected for better or worse depending on tonight's (and further still, the entire series') result. They will be better or worse husbands, better or worse dads, better or worse employees. The joy of their life hinges on the outcome of a game played by men who (some of which) will never know Christ and suffer hell for all of eternity.

I'm not saying don't watch the game, I'm not saying don't enjoy the series, but we sure could use some balance.

I John 2:15-16 -- Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Go team.

BONUS PREDICTION #6
-All of the losing team's fans will show up again next year and do it all over again. Like hampsters.