Since the video has surface, Christensen has become an overnight sensation. The video of his prank has been on sport highlight shows and news programs everywhere being praised. There is a problem. It was not till I sat down to write this article and did some research did I find out that it was a prank. The world is praising the video because of the perception that it gives. It shows a man putting his fandom before his job. It shows a man identifying himself as a fan before his identity in Christ. It shows a pastor putting his devotion to the 49ers before his devotion to God. In Christensen's defense it was a prank meant for his congregation only, and he showed that his priority was to God. However, that is not what has been presented to the rest of the world. Sport commentators are commending and applauding Christensen for putting his football team ahead of church. They are celebrating what he did because the perception is that Christensen acts just like them. They see Christensen put sports before God and worshiping at the same temple of sports they do giving them validation that their misplaced devotion was correct.
When we think about idol worship, we think about ancient temples and large statues. When we hear the Bible stories about worshiping idols, it seems far off and foreign. We cannot fathom someone bowing down before some sculpted metal or rock devoting time and effort in acts of worship. It seems foolish to think that image could give joy. That spending time and dedication could possibly lead to some sort of fulfillment. We are delusional think that we are wiser or above idol worship. The sport commentators and newscasters praised Tim Christensen for just that. How much time do we spend on sports? We watch it on TV. We take our kids to practices and games. We go to the local high school games. We talk about it with friends. Our hearts flutter we see our team's favorite logo. We are in a great mood when our team wins the big game. We are sad when our favorite player does not perform. We live in a culture that worships at the altar of sports and we are guilty of it too. The question is if we are going to live our lives as devoted followers of Christ or let ourselves get swept away in the sin of idol worship? We need to remember the words of Col. 3:1, "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."