Finding joy when your football team gets beat down

I’m 36 and I’m a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

They had one of their worst performances in team history Sunday in an embarrassing 35-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Like many football fans, I’m passionate about my team. And there’s nothing inherently wrong about rooting for your team, being happy when they win and disappointed when they lose. That said, it’s easy to take it too far.

I’ve been guilty in the past of getting really annoyed when the Steelers lose and letting a poor attitude get the best of me. Sometimes I let the team’s performance control my attitude, which is wrong.

So how did I deal with Sunday’s performance? I turned the TV off, turned the computer off, and went out and enjoyed a concert with my wife.

Where do you find your joy? Where do you find your peace?

Paul talks about what God offers through the Holy Spirit:

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22–23 NLT).

As humans, it’s easy to get wrapped up in what happens day-to-day.

It’s comforting to know that there is a Heavenly Father who can provide true joy and peace, no matter what happens in the world—or to our favorite football teams.

Do you know Him?

—Chris Pugh

Follow @chrispugh3

Can Big Ben find grace and redemption?

On the field, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been very successful, with two Super Bowl rings to show for it.

But off the field, he has often been embroiled in controversy, from nearly dying from a motorcycle accident to sexual assault allegations.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review had an interesting story this week talking about Roethlisberger’s upcoming wedding.

In the story, a pastor of the church where the wedding is scheduled, and which Roethlisberger and his fiancee attend, told a reporter that the couple are “consistent and genuine in their worship.”

Only God knows the condition of Roethlisberger’s heart, but I’m encouraged to hear he has taken steps to connect with a local church.

No matter what your past has been like, Jesus offers grace through those who trust in Him.

Romans 3:22-24 states “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” (NLT).

Although time will tell if Roethlisberger will redeem his career by winning additional Super Bowls, he can be assured of finding personal redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.

And that’s the redemption that really matters.

— Chris Pugh

Follow @chrispugh3